The ghosts

• Who is the first of the three Spirits that appear to Scrooge?

  The Ghost of Christmas Past
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Past allow Scrooge to do?

  Observe various scenes from his past
• How does Dickens create empathy for Scrooge in the narrative?

  By adopting a sympathetic tone
• What does Dickens suggest about Scrooge's character development through the Ghost's visit?


  That Scrooge is capable of change
• What does the phrase "softening influence" refer to in the context of the Spirit's visit?

  The effect the Spirit has on Scrooge's emotions
• What color tunic does the Ghost of Christmas Past wear?

  Purest white
• What does the white tunic of the Spirit symbolize?

  Purity and innocence
• How does the Spirit's appearance contrast with Marley’s suffering?

  The Spirit has a gentle demeanor, while Marley suffers
• What contradictions does Dickens use to describe the Ghost?

  It looks like a child but also like an old man
• What do the symbols of "fresh green holly" and "summer flowers" represent in the Ghost's description?

  The juxtaposition of winter and summer, emphasizing the Spirit's timelessness
• What does the "bright clear jet of light" emitted by the Spirit symbolize?

  Enlightenment and Christmas spirit
• How does the Ghost of Christmas Past serve a didactic purpose in the text?

  By guiding Scrooge towards reflection and redemption
• What does the Spirit's control over the events Scrooge witnesses suggest about its power?

  It holds a God-like power
• How does the Spirit's mocking comment about Fezziwig's party affect Scrooge?

  It prompts Scrooge to reflect on his past actions
• What does Scrooge's physical struggle with the Spirit signify?

  His internal conflict and resistance to change
• What does Dickens imply by stating that the Ghost showed "no visible resistance" during Scrooge's struggle?

  The Ghost maintains a powerful position over Scrooge
• What does Scrooge's inability to hide the light symbolize?

  The power of reflection and self-discovery
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Present represent?

  The personification of Christmas spirit

  
• How does the Ghost of Christmas Present illustrate the importance of Christmas spirit to Scrooge?

  By showing different ways Christmas is celebrated
• What literary device does Dickens use to describe the Spirit's nature?

  The rule of three
• How does Scrooge perceive the Ghost of Christmas Present in relation to God?

  He connects the Spirit to God, suggesting moral authority
• What does the Spirit wear that draws on traditional ideas of Father Christmas?

  A green robe and a holly wreath
• How does Dickens contrast the Spirit's description with Scrooge's character?

  By highlighting the Spirit's generosity against Scrooge's miserly nature
• What does the "glowing torch" carried by the Spirit symbolize?

  Positivity and Christmas spirit
• What does the empty antique scabbard carried by the Spirit signify?

  The absence of conflict during the festive time
• How does the Ghost of Christmas Present serve as a mouthpiece for Dickens' views on social reform?

  By guiding Scrooge while also presenting social commentary
• What challenge does the Spirit present to the Malthusian view?

  It highlights the abundance of resources available
• How does the Spirit respond to Scrooge's question about Tiny Tim?

  By mocking Scrooge's views on surplus population
• What do the children Ignorance and Want symbolize under the Spirit's robe?

  The pressing issues of poverty and social injustice
• How does Dickens use the Spirit's tone when addressing Ignorance and Want?

  It becomes sorrowful, highlighting the distress at their presence
• What does the Spirit's lament "Oh Man! Look here. Look, look down here" emphasize?

  The urgency of addressing social issues
• How does Scrooge's attitude change with the Ghost of Christmas Present compared to the Ghost of Christmas Past?

  He moves away from his defiant attitude
• How does Dickens express his frustration towards readers in relation to social reform?

  Through the Spirit's speech, suggesting Dickens' exasperation is directed at readers.
• What do the two children, Ignorance and Want, symbolize in the narrative?

  They symbolize the pressing issues of poverty and social neglect in society.
• How does the Spirit's tone change when addressing Ignorance and Want?

  The Spirit's tone becomes more sorrowful, highlighting his distress at their presence.
• What literary device does Dickens use when the Spirit laments, “Oh Man! Look here. Look, look down here”?

  He uses vocative diacope to emphasize despair.
• What is the significance of Scrooge's relationship with the Ghost of Christmas Past and Present?

  • Scrooge moves away from his defiant attitude.
  • His relationship with the Ghost of Christmas Present shows a change in dynamics.

  
• What command does the Ghost of Christmas Present give to Scrooge upon their first meeting?


  The Ghost commands Scrooge to "Come in!"
• How does Scrooge's reaction to the Ghost of Christmas Present illustrate his character development?

  Scrooge's obedience highlights his strangely submissive attitude.
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Present's use of imperatives reveal about its character?

  It reveals the Spirit's dominance and authority over Scrooge.