The Ghosts

• How does Dickens characterise the three ghosts?

  Each ghost has a distinct personality - the first is contradictory (strong yet gentle), the second is jolly and cheerful, and the third is silent and ominous
• What is unique about how the ghosts interact with time in the novella?

  They exist outside the boundaries of human time and show Scrooge visions of the past, present, and future, giving the story a magical, dream-like mood.
• What lessons do the ghosts teach Scrooge?

  They make Scrooge realise that his past and present behaviour could negatively impact his future, leading him to vow that the spirits will "strive within" him for the rest of his life
• How does Dickens use the ghosts to structure the novella?

  Each ghost appears in a separate chapter, focusing on Scrooge's past, present, or future, reinforcing the structure of the story
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Past represent?

  It symbolises memory and truth, showing Scrooge different stages of his life to help him reflect on his past
• How does Dickens describe the Ghost of Christmas Past's appearance?

  It has a mixture of child-like and aged features, connecting it to different stages of Scrooge's life
• What does the "bright, clear jet of light" from the ghost's head symbolise?

  The light represents truth found in memories, illuminating Scrooge's past experiences
• How does the ghost's voice contribute to its characterisation?

  It's low, distant voice suggests it is speaking from long ago, reinforcing its connection to Scrooge's past
• How does the Ghost of Christmas Past help the reader sympathise with Scrooge?

  It reveals that parts of Scrooge's childhood were miserable, showing that he wasn't always cold and unfeeling
• How does the Ghost of Christmas Past use force to help Scrooge change?

  It makes Scrooge explain his realisations through insistent questioning and forces him to face painful memories to teach him valuable lessons
• How does the ghost's questioning influence Scrooge?

  Its persistent questions, such as "What is the matter? ... Something, I think?" push Scrooge to recognise that generosity can bring happiness, as seen in Fezziwig's party
• Why is the memory of Belle particularly painful for Scrooge?

  Seeing Belle again is "torture" for Scrooge, as it reminds him of the consequences of his past choices. The ghost physically restrains him to make him watch and learn
• What are the key traits of the Ghost of Christmas Past?

  It is forceful, questioning, and mysterious - it "pinioned him in both arms", challenged his views, and appeared as "a strange figure"
• How does the Ghost of Christmas Present show compassion?

  It sprinkles blessings from its torch, restoring the "good humour" of angry people so they can enjoy Christmas
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Present's torch symbolise?

  It resembles "Plenty's horn," a symbol of abundance from Greek and Roman mythology, emphasising generosity
• What does the ghost's empty, rusted scabbard symbolise?

  It suggests that Christmas should be a time for peace, not conflict, reinforcing the spirit's message of goodwill
• What are the key traits of the Ghost of Christmas Present?

  It is jolly ("a jolly Giant, glorious to see"), friendly (Come in! and know me better, man!"), and sever ("Slander those who tell it ye!")
• How does the Ghost of Christmas Present express concern for poverty?

  It shows "sympathy with all poor men" and is "sorrowful" when witnessing Ignorance and Want, calling Scrooge's past words on poverty "wicked"
• What message does the ghost convey about society's attitude toward poverty?

  It emotionally criticises society for ignoring poverty, warning that neglecting issues like ignorance and want will eventually lead to "Doom"
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come represent?

  It symbolises Scrooge's future and is "shrouded in a deep black garment," emphasising the uncertainty of the future. Its resemblance to the Grim Reaper suggests approaching death
• How does the ghost's silence contribute to its characterisation?

  The ghost is intimidating and mysterious, pointing instead of speaking and refusing to answer Scrooge's questions, reinforcing its ominous presence
• What does the ghost's "kind hand trembling" suggest?

  It may indicate pity for Scrooge, reminding readers that the ghosts are guiding him toward change, not simply haunting him
• What are the key traits of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come?

  It is frightening ("Scrooge feared the silent shape so much that his legs trembled beneath him"), mysterious ("it seemed to scatter gloom and mystery"), and resolute ("the Spirit did not stay for anything").