A christmas carol - describe the ghosts

Question 1

Describe the ghost of christmas past:

Answer 1

The Ghost of Christmas Past changes shape and size, it has many arms and then a few, it seems distant and close, old and young – in fact it is full of contradictory images. In many ways the vision works like memory can do: it changes depending on perspectives or moods.

The ghost has a jet of light from its head, which represents Scrooges’ enlightenment. He attempts to extinguish this using the cap, showing he does not want to be enlightened

Question 2

Describe the ghost of christmas present:

Answer 2

The Ghost of Christmas Present greets Scrooge from on top of a pile of luxurious Christmas fare. Dickens brings to life the Christmas that we all know and love today: the food, the presents, the games, the snow, and good feeling, the parties and generosity.

The ghost is dressed in green – reminiscent both of the Green Man from Pagan mythology, and also the traditional character of St Nicholas or Father Christmas, who has more recently come to symbolise the holiday period.

Question 3

Describe the ghost of Christmas yet to come:

Answer 3

The final ghost appears as a phantom (“a spectre”) dressed in black: clearly an image of The Grim Reaper himself. It remains silent throughout their time together, leaving Scrooge – and the reader – to work out the story himself. The silent, enigmatic nature of the final spirit is perhaps an interesting commentary on the nature of death itself: death is there, looming over us all, and yet it keeps its secrets to itself, and even now - with all that modern technology has to offer us - death holds its mysteries.