Ghost of Christmas Present

• "Come in! and know me better, man!"

  • Imperative mood: “Come in!” and “know me better” are friendly and direct commands, suggesting warmth, openness, and welcome
  • This contrasts sharply with Scrooge’s usual coldness.
  • Tone: Inviting and confident — the ghost doesn’t threaten, but warmly encourages
  • Use of “know me better”: Suggests understanding and transformation — the spirit wants Scrooge to learn, not just observe
  • Effect: The ghost is a mentor-like figure, using inclusive, cheerful language to guide Scrooge without intimidation
• "A jolly Giant, glorious to see"

  • “jolly Giant”: The repetition of the ‘g’ sound gives a bouncy, cheerful rhythm — matching the Ghost’s lively nature.
  • Adjective “glorious”: Suggests splendour, radiance, and joy — the ghost radiates positivity
  • Noun “Giant”: Implies power, presence, and largeness — but in a comforting, non-threatening way
  • Effect: Dickens paints the Ghost as a larger-than-life symbol of abundance, joy, and generosity — the embodiment of festive spirit
• "To a poor one most... because it needs it most."

  • Repetition of “most”: Emphasises the ghost’s deep compassion — he values fairness and uplift for the needy
  • Moral tone: Suggests that generosity should be proportionate to need, not wealth — directly opposing Scrooge’s earlier views
  • Use of simple, clear language: Makes the message direct and unarguable — charity and care are moral obligations
  • Effect: Dickens uses the ghost’s language to voice a clear moral lesson — Christmas (and kindness) belongs to everyone, especially the poor
• They are Man’s... This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want."

  • Personification of social issues: Dickens gives human form to abstract problems — Ignorance and Want become living, suffering children
  • Monosyllabic nouns “boy” and “girl”: Reinforce innocence — making their suffering more disturbing
  • Ownership in “They are Man’s”: Blames humanity, not fate. “Man” has created these problems through neglect and selfishness
  • Effect: The ghost’s language becomes urgent and symbolic, forcing Scrooge — and the reader — to confront uncomfortable truths about society