The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come

• The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come is the last Ghost that visits Scrooge and is very different from its predecessors. It approached Scrooge "slowly, gravely, silently". This triple adverb immediately changes the tone of the narrative, introducing an ominous and sombre quality to the stave. This effect is heightened by the fact that the Spirit is a personification of death - its appearance mirrors classical depictions of the 'Grim Reaper'.
• The Phantom is used by Dickens to visibly exemplify the idea of accountability and the fact that actions have consequences, both of which are themes which run throughout the novella. By showing Scrooge his own death the Spirit gives him a final push towards complete redemption, one which causes him to fall "upon his knees" and desperately hold his hands up in "a last prayer".
• The Spirit is described as wearing a "deep black garment", its presence seemed to "scatter gloom" and its figure was surrounded by "darkness". Here, Dickens uses a semantic field of blackness, which contrasts the previous two Spirits as they were both associated with symbols of light. This is interesting, as the motif of light was used to represent positivity and christmas spirit. Therefore, the absence of light suggests that Scrooge's future will be bleak and unpromising, presenting the idea that he needs to repent and exhibit Christmas spirit in order to prevent these consequences.
• Dickens also describes how the Ghost's clothes "concealed its head, its face, its form" and outlines the "mysterious presence" it has. This introduces the idea of anonymity, perhaps to allude to the uncertain and indefinite nature of the future. It also interesting to note that instead of speaking "pointed onward with its hand". This only interaction Scrooge has with the Spriit which is significant as its hand may represent the hand of time. This emphasises both the importance and power of time, presenting the idea that Scrooge's amoral actions will have repercussions.
• The purpose of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is to show Scrooge the dark consequences of his actions. The Ghost illustrates to Scrooge what his fate will be if he does not use this opportunity to repent.
• Dickens uses prolepsis to show Scrooge the reactions of various people in the event of his death. This is a dramtic technique, as it could be argued that the reader is equally as interested and affected by Scrooge's future, due to the connection they have built with his character.
• • Nobody seems negatively affected by Scrooge's death which emphasises the messages the Spirits are trying to relay to him
  • The charwoman, one of the characters that Scrooge watches in the pawn shop, says that "he frightened everyone away from him when he was alive, to profit us when he was dead, ha, ha!". This essentially means that the isolated lifestyle Scrooge chose to lead left him similarly isolated in his death. As a result his belongings could be taken by whoever wanted them, rather than being protected by those who cared from him. The charwoman finishes this assertion with a laugh, revealing that people are not just indifferent to Scrooge's death but ar happy about it as they can finally profit from his wealth.
  • Dickens reinforces this through the character of Caroline. Her family owed Scrooge money, but following his death they can "sleep with light hearts", highlighting the happiness and relief that followed his death.
• Stave 4 illustrates the importance of social responsibility as if Scrooge had been nicer to those around him he would have been looked after and cared for in death.
• Dickens reveals that Scrooge "feared the silent shape" when referencing his relationship with the Phantom - the last time he felt fear was when Marley's Ghost left him with a "terrible sensation". This is significant as by drawing parallels to Scrooge's old personality the reader is able to see and appreciate how much he has changed.
• The fear that Scrooge feels, in addition to the Spirits silence, forces him to become more forthcoming. This prompts Scrooge to actively take control of his redemption. The reader witnesses this through Scrooge's willingness to go with the Spirit. He says that he is "prepared to bear" the Spirit's company and will do it with a "thankful heart". This highlights how he is more open to the idea of redemption, signifiying his change.
• Scrooge has a struggle with this Spirit, similar to his fight with the Ghost of Christmas Past. However, this time Scrooge managed to "detain" the Spirit because he was "strong in his entreaty". Unlike the past, which is unchanging, Scrooge can hold his ground against the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. This is perhaps to symbolise the fact that Scrooge can control his future if his will is strong enough, illustrating his approaching transformation.
• However, Dickens reveals that despite Scrooge's strength the Spirit was "stronger yet" and "repulsed Scrooge". This assertion ensures that the Spirits keep their powerful status above Scrooge. Furthermore, it highlights that while Scrooge has some control over his future he cannot escape his eventual death. Ultimately, this emphasises that it is important to lead a good life and leave a lasting legacy, as death is inescapable.
• Quote: "shrouded in a deep black garment"

  Idea: The use of imagery in this phrase resonates with both contemporary and modern-day readers, who likely find the image similar to that of the Grim Reaper - a widely recognised symbol of death. The black colour of the garment is further describes as being "deep", developing the Phantom's solemn presence.
• Quote: "Read upon the neglected grave his own name, EBENEEZER SCROOGE"

  Idea: The adjective "neglected" is used both during the life of Scrogoe as well as his death. Therefore, the reader is able to see the unchanging timeline of Scrooge's life. The way that Scrooge lived in life is how he died, a type of poetic justice.
• Quote: "Hear me! I am not the man I was"

  Idea: A fear of the future is what persuades Scrooge to change his ways. The exclamation mark underlines the way in which the scenes have resonated within him, highlighting his eagerness to change.