Ghost of Christmas yet to come

• Purpose:

  • visibly exemplify the idea of accountability and actions have consequences
  • 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"
• Apperance:

  • "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.
  • motif of light was used to represent positivity and Christmas spirit. Therefore absence of light suggests 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.
• Apperance:

  • "concealed its head, its face, its form" and outlines the "mysterious presence" it has.
  • introduces the idea of anonymity to allude to the uncertain and indefinite nature of the future.
  • instead of speaking the Spirit "pointed onward with its hand". This is the only interaction Scrooge has with the Spirit which is significant as its hand may represent the hand of time.
  • emphasises both importance and power showing scrooges ammoral actions will have repercussions
• Purpose:

  • 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 (a flash forward) to show Scrooge the reactions of various people in the event of his death.
  • dramatic technique as the reader is equally as interested and affected by Scrooge's future, due to the connection they have built with his character.
• Power dynamic:

  • 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.
• Power dynamic:

  • fear Scrooge feels, in addition to the Spirits silence, forces him to become more forthcoming in the final stave.
  • 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" highlighting he is more open to the idea of redemption signifying his change
• Power dynamic:

  • 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
  • symbolise the fact that Scrooge can control his future if his will is strong enough, illustrating his approaching transformation.
• Power dynamic:

  • despite Scrooge's strength the Spirit was "stronger yet" and "repulsed Scrooge". This assertion ensures that the Spirits keep their powerful status above Scrooge.

  • highlights that while Scrooge has some control over his future he cannot escape his eventual death.
  • emphasises it is important to lead a good life and leave a lasting legacy as death is inescapable.