ghost of christmas past Flashcards
Ghost of christmas past quote 1
“It was a strange figure-like a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man” p27
With the use of the word ‘figure’ the readers are reminded this is a supernatural medium not human that is here for a purpose
Dickens uses contradicting imagery with the description of the Ghosts where there is a combination of youth and adulthood to illustrate that the ghosts hold memories from all over Scrooge’s life which underpins the interconnectedness of time emphasising that the past inevitably
ghost of chrismas past 2
“It wore a tunic of the purest white; and round its waist was bound a lustrous belt”p27
The use of the celestial language ‘purest’ symbolic of heaven wearing a ‘tunic’ of this colour is suggestive that his aim is to resurface Scrooge’s repressed memories and emotions in order to purify him from his previous sins
ghost of christmas past 3
“What was light one instant at another time was dark, so the figure fluctuated in its distinctness” p27
The imagery of light pouring out of the ghost’s head represents goodness and truth and the candle is representative of hope, hope of Scrooge’s reformations demonstrating how the ghost acts as a catalyst for the start of Scrooge redemption
ghost of christmas past 4
“a small matter,” said the ghost, “to make these silly folks so gratitude.”
“it isn’t that” P37
Ghosts acting as a catalyst is further reinforced through the ghost actions of invoking a moment of reflection in Scrooge on the difference of his actions taken as an employer compared to Fezziwig.
ghost of christmas past 5
“No more!” cried Scrooge, “show me no more! Conduct me home. Why do you delight to torture me”
“But the relentless Ghost pinioned him in both his arms, and forced to observe what happened next” p39
The Ghost of Christmas Past is depicted as “relentless”, suggesting that it is unwavering in its purpose, implying that the ghost is not acting out of cruelty but rather necessity—Scrooge must endure this suffering to undergo personal transformation. This reflects the novel’s message that true change only comes from facing one’s mistakes rather than avoiding them.
