the ghosts

• The Ghost of Christmas Past is the first of the three Spirits that appear to Scrooge, taking him to observe scenes from his past, allowing readers to empathize with Scrooge and understand how his past has shaped his character in the present
• Dickens illustrates that Scrooge is capable of change, as he did not always display a misanthropic attitude, giving readers hope for his redemption
• The Ghost of Christmas Past's appearance, wearing a tunic "of purest white," emphasizes its purity and innocence, highlighting its moral authority and didactic purpose within the text
• Dickens describes the Ghost using contradictions, looking "like a child" but also "like an old man," and holding fresh green holly but having a dress trimmed with summer flowers, illustrating the impossibility of the Spirit's existence and emphasizing the supernatural theme
• The Ghost of Christmas Past emits a "bright clear jet of light," developing the motif of light symbolizing enlightenment and Christmas spirit, presenting the Ghost as a positive and comforting influence despite expectations from the gothic genre
• The role of the Ghost of Christmas Past is to guide Scrooge towards his redemption by choosing to take him to significant and provocative moments from his past, prompting Scrooge to reflect on his actions through deliberately leading comments
• Dickens explores the power dynamic between Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past, showing an evolution of their relationship as the novella progresses, with the Ghost retaining power over Scrooge despite his challenges
• Key Quote: "fell upon the heart of Scrooge with a softening influence, and gave a freer passage to his tears," illustrating the significant impact of Scrooge's past on him and the importance of reflection for personal growth
• The Ghost of Christmas Present is often seen as the personification of Christmas spirit, taking Scrooge to see different ways Christmas is celebrated to highlight the importance of Christmas spirit to Scrooge
• Dickens uses the rule of three to describe the Ghost of Christmas Present, outlining its "kind, generous, hearty nature," exploring values central to the idea of Christmas spirit and emphasizing moral and positive aspects along with religious themes
• Scrooge connects the Spirit with God, suggesting that 'blue laws' were observed in the Spirit’s “name, or at least in that of (its) family”, highlighting the Spirit's moral authority and didactic purpose
• The Spirit is described as a “jolly Giant” wearing a “green robe” and a “holly wreath”, drawing on traditional ideas of Father Christmas, emphasizing its representation of the Christmas spirit
• Dickens uses a semantic field of generosity to describe the Spirit, contrasting it with Scrooge's miserly traits, implying that generosity is a key part of the Christmas spirit
• The Spirit carries a “glowing torch” not unlike Plenty’s horn, symbolizing positivity and abundance, while the “antique scabbard” without a sword suggests peace and the removal of conflict during Christmas
• The Ghost of Christmas Present serves as a mouthpiece for Dickens' views on social reform, challenging social injustices and advocating for change, presenting a social commentary to readers
• The Spirit's interaction with Scrooge highlights a power dynamic where Scrooge becomes more submissive, showing signs of change and growth as he becomes more self-aware and socially conscious
• Key Quote: “Sprinkled incense on their dinners from his torch” - symbolizing spreading positive spirits and repairing relationships, encouraging readers to emulate the Spirit's behavior towards social reform
• The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come is the last ghost that visits Scrooge and is a personification of death, mirroring classical depictions of the 'Grim Reaper'
• The Spirit approaches Scrooge "slowly, gravely, silently," changing the tone of the narrative to be ominous and sombre
• The Spirit's purpose is to show Scrooge the dark consequences of his actions and to push him towards complete redemption
• The Spirit is described as wearing a "deep black garment," surrounded by darkness, and its presence seemed to "scatter gloom," contrasting the previous Spirits associated with symbols of light
• The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come is used by Dickens to exemplify the idea of accountability and that actions have consequences, emphasizing the importance and power of time
• The Spirit's clothes "concealed its head, its face, its form," introducing the idea of anonymity, alluding to the uncertain and indefinite nature of the future
• The Spirit points onward with its hand, symbolizing the hand of time and emphasizing the importance and power of time in relation to Scrooge's actions
• The Spirit shows Scrooge the reactions of various people in the event of his death through prolepsis, a flash forward, illustrating the consequences of his actions
• The Spirit's appearance and actions prompt Scrooge to actively take control of his redemption, showing his willingness to change and highlighting his approaching transformation
• Scrooge's struggle with the Spirit symbolizes his ability to control his future if his will is strong enough, illustrating his approaching transformation
• Despite Scrooge's strength, the Spirit is "stronger yet" and "repulses Scrooge," emphasizing the Spirits' powerful status above Scrooge and the inevitability of death