Ghost of Christmas Past Flashcards
Like a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man
Children represent innocence and purity whereas as the elderly represent wisdom emphasising how the Ghost represents and sympathises with everyone. The paradoxical nature of its description highlights the impossibility of its existence, emphasising the supernatural theme. All of Scrooge’s past is reflected in its appearance
A tunic of the purest white
The Ghost represents everything Scrooge currently doesn’t, light and joy. The white tunic alludes to the biblical image of Jesus who acted like a moral compass for Christians, highlighting the Ghost’s didactic purpose within the novella
It put out its strong hand as it spoke
Contrasts the overall description of the Ghost being gentle and comforting
Bright clear jet of light
A motif of light is present throughout the text that represents enlightenment as well as the Christmas Spirit. It presents the Ghost as positive and comforting despite the fact ghosts were thought to be evil and sinister due to their prominence in gothic fiction of the time
Waved its hand
The Ghost holds a God-like power and is fully in control of the events Scrooge witness which are significant and provocative moments from his past
A small matter … to make these silly folks so full of gratitude
The Spirit uses deliberately leading comments to make Scrooge reflect on his actions, portraying the Ghost as wise
