Ghost Of Christmas Past Character Analysis

Question 1

In what order of the ghosts does The Ghost of Christmas Past visit scrooge?

Answer 1

The first spirit to visit scrooge.

Question 2

What does the Ghost of Christmas Past do?

Answer 2

The Ghost of Christmas Past clarifies specific elements of Scrooge’s past that he’s either forgotten, or has rewritten’ in an attempt to avoid uncomfortable truths.

Question 3

Why does Dickens decribe the ghost as a ‘clear,bright jet of light’?

Answer 3

Dickens’ description of the ‘clear, bright jet of light’ emanating from the ghost’s head signifies his role for Scrooge - to illuminate Scrooge’s hazy memories of his past behaviour.

Question 4

Quotations to describe the supernatural appearance of the Ghost of Christmas Past?

Answer 4

A strange figure - like a child: yet not so like a child as an old man. (S2)
‘fluctuated in its distinctiveness.’
…though Scrooge pressed it down with all his force, he could not hide the light which streamed from under it, in an unbroken flood. (S2)

Question 5

Quotations to demonstrate the power of the Ghost of Christmas Past over Scrooge?

Answer 5

…though Scrooge pressed it down with all his force, he could not hide the light which streamed from under it, in an unbroken flood. (S2)
‘Would you so soon put out, with worldly hands, the light I give you?’ (S2)
Your reclamation then. Take heed!’ (S2)
But the relentless Ghost pinioned him [Scrooge] in both his arms, and forced him to observe what happened next. (S2)