christmas carol: ghosts Flashcards
ghost of christmas past represents memory and truth
the GOCP appearance is a strange mixture of child and old , its connected through scrooges memory to different stages of scrooges life
a ‘bright , clear jet of light’ shines from its head which could symbolise truth that can be found in memories
the ghost is strong but quiet and has a ‘low’ voice as if ‘it were at a distance’ as if it is speaking to scrooge from far away or long ago. this emphasises the spirits connection to scrooges past
the ghost helps the reader sympathise with scrooge and gives them better understanding of why he is so iscolated and cold and to show them he wasnt always that way
the GOCP is forceful to help scrooge change
the spirit makes scrooge explain the things that he realises when he sees the visions from the past
the memory of belle is ‘torture’ for scrooge and he begs to ghost to stop but the spirit is to strong and ‘forced’ him to watch. this action seems cruel but it is to help scrooge learn
the Ghost of christmas present (GOCPrt) generously helps others
the ghost is compassionate and sprinkles blessings toi restore ‘good humour’ of angry people so they can enjoy christmas
the ghost is closely associated with abundance and generosity- the torch the ghost carries resembles ‘plentys horn’ which is a symbol of abundance and gives to those who needs it most
the ghosts scabbard has no sword in it and its rusted suggesting christmas should be a time for peace
GOCPrt is upset about poverty
the ghost has ‘sympathy with all poor men’ and is ‘sorrowful’ at the sight of ignorance and want. the spirit cares about the poor and challenges scrooges previous words calling them ‘wicked’
the spirit speaks emotionally about the way society ignores poverty and argues society denies the problems of ignorance and want and suggests ignoring the problems will lead to societys ‘doom’
ghost of christmas yet to come is presented as sinister
the ghost represents scrooges future and is dressed in a ‘deep black garment’ to create mystery and implies the future cannot be known for certain - similar appearance to the grim reaper which victorians would have recognised as a symbol for approaching death
the ghost is silent and intimidating using gestures instead of speaking and doesnt answer scrooges questions adding a sense of mystery.
this is the only ghost that ignores scrooges questions meaning his fate is now left up to him instead of being guided by the spirit he now has to work it out for himself
when scrooge begins to beg that ghosts ‘kind hand trembled’ suggesting the ghost pities scrooge reminding the reader the ghosts are trying to help him
