Ghost of Christmas past

• Status is through its appearance


  • tunic "of purest white" emphasises its purity and innocence Giving impression of moral authority highlighting its didactic purpose within the text
  • white tunic alludes to the biblical image of Jesus who wears white and acts as a moral compass for Christians message of goodness to humanity
• Description through contradictions:

  • looked "like a child" but also "like an old man". continues with juxtaposing ideas the Ghost holds "fresh green holly", a symbol of winter, but has a dress trimmed with "summer flowers"
  • paradoxical descriptions illustrate the impossibility of the Spirits existence, emphasising the supernatural theme.
  • Spirit encompasses all of Scrooge's past, from his youth to his old age, and so this is reflected in its appearance.
• Purpose:

  • guide Scrooge towards his redemption by choosing to take him to significant and provocative moments from his past.
  • "waved its hand" while it said "Let us see another Christmas", suggesting that it is indeed in control of the events Scrooge witnesses and holds a God-like power.