Ghost of Christmas Past

• What Ghost of Christmas Past quote starts with "It was a strange..." & what is the analysis for it?

  • Juxtaposition between "child" & "old man" in S2 -> metaphorical for S -> physically alike to an "old man" as branded "old sinner" -> yet vulnerable & isolated akin to how he was a "child" -> underpins interconnectedness of time, emphasising that past inevitably shapes present & influences future
  • By revisiting S's childhood, ghost aims to catalyse a regression (go backwards) in him, prompting return to former compassionate self & settling him on path to redemption
• What is the context of the Scrooge quote that starts "It was a strange..."?

  • Context of age & time -> mixture of youth & age fascination within Victorian era -> emphasis on youth of children caused parallel interest to those in their older age -> D uses this to emphasise motif of time (recurring symbol or theme)
• What Ghost of Christmas Past quote starts "Bright..." & what is the analysis for it?

  • Motif of light in S2 -> permeates novella -> hope & radiance -> ghost beacon of enlightenment, tasked w/ illuminating S's path towards moral awakening & personal transformation
  • "Purest" -> celestial imagery -> heaven & purity from sin -> ghost wears "tunic" -> aim to resurface S's repressed memories & emotions to purify him from previous sin so ready to access heaven
  • Foreshadowing S's spiritual journey towards moral transformation & redemption whilst emphasising theme of forgiveness