Ghost Of Christmas Present Flashcards
As a “jolly Giant” who was wearing a “green robe” and had a “holly wreath” on its head,
The Spirit is described as a “jolly Giant” who was wearing a “green robe” and had a “holly wreath” on its head, drawing on traditional ideas of Father Christmas. This furthers the idea that the Ghost is meant to represent the Christmas spirit.
“free as its genial face” “open hand” “unconstrained demeanour”. Direct Contrast with “squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner”.
Dickens develops this concept of Christmas by using a semantic field of generosity, describing the Spirit’s hair to be as “free as its genial face” and continuing by describing its “open hand” and “unconstrained demeanour”. These adjectives directly contrast the list Dickens uses in the opening stave where he describes Scrooge as a “squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner”. This highlights how generosity is a key part of Christmas spirit, implying that Scrooge needs to develop this trait in order to fully reform.
“glowing torch” “not unlike Plenty’s horn”.
It is also interesting to note that Dickens gives the Spirit a “glowing torch” which was “not unlike Plenty’s horn”. This continues the motif of light that was also illustrated by the Ghost of Christmas Past, presenting light as symbolic of positivity and Christmas spirit. Furthermore,
“Plenty’s horn”, also referred to as ‘cornucopia’, is a symbol of abundance in Greek and Roman mythology.
“antique scabbard” which had “no sword in it” and was “eaten up with rust”,
Dickens describes the Ghost as carrying an “antique scabbard” which had “no sword in it” and was “eaten up with rust”, suggesting it had not been used for a long time. This is significant as it shows the reader that there is no place for conflict during the festive time, instead appearing as a symbol of peace. The fact that the scabbard is present but empty suggests that while conflict may have existed it should be removed and forgotten. This ultimately presents Christmas as a time for love and happiness, a message that the Spirit foregrounds during his time with Scrooge.
“kind of throne”
The Spirit is introduced to the reader as sitting on a “kind of throne” made of an excessive amount of food. This immediately acts as a challenge to the Malthusian view that there are not enough resources available to go around, instead highlighting that there is an abundance of supplies. The Spirit is therefore presented as aware of social issues - a portrayal which continues throughout the stave.
“surplus population” “decide what men shall live” and “what men shall die”.
This is most notably seen when Scrooge questions the Spirit about the fate of Tiny Tim, to which the Ghost replies by mocking Scrooge’s words about the “surplus population”. He continues with a lengthy and somewhat vexed discourse about social injustice, challenging Scrooge on why he believed he had the authority to “decide what men shall live” and “what men shall die”. It could be argued that Dickens’ own frustration towards this attitude is revealed through the Spirit’s speech, perhaps suggesting that his exasperation is also directed at readers. Therefore, it could be said that Dickens uses the Spirit as a tool to convey his own ideas about social reform.
“sorrowful” “Oh Man! Look here. Look, look down here”.
Spirit as a tool to convey his own ideas about social reform.
This is reinforced by the two children, Ignorance and Want, who appear under the Spirit’s robe.
The Spirit’s tone becomes more “sorrowful” highlighting his distress at their presence. This is furthered when he laments “Oh Man! Look here. Look, look down here”. Dickens uses vocative diacope (a type of repetition where a word is repeated for emphasis) to develop his despair. This heightens the issue of poverty in society, presenting it as a pressing concern which readers shouldn’t ignore, ultimately prompting them to actively take part in social reform.
“Sprinkled incense on their dinners from his torch” “to a poor one most”
Sprinkling incense was a way of making disagreements vanish and spreading good spirits in the Victorian times. This Ghost emphasises that it is working to spread positive spirits to the “to a poor one most” because they have a greater need. This presents the Ghost as aware of social issues and as a force which actively endeavours to do good. It could be argued that the Spirit acts as an example to readers particularly because it uses incense to repair relationships. This presents the idea that readers too can emulate the Spirit’s behaviour, pushing them towards social reform.
“obeyed”,
Scrooge moves away from his defiant attitude with the Ghost of Christmas Past. His relationship with the Ghost of Christmas Present takes on an entirely different dynamic, highlighting that he has started to change.
When the Spirit first appears, he tells Scrooge to come into the room. Dickens writes that Scrooge “obeyed”, highlighting his strangely submissive attitude.
“Come in!” which he follows with the command “Look upon me!”.
This is made more apparent by the Ghost’s dominating behaviour. The first phrase he uses is the imperative, “Come in!” which he follows with the command “Look upon me!”. The use of exclamations and imperative commands allows the Spirit to assert his dominance.
While this behaviour does mirror the authority of the first Spirit, this Ghost appears more powerful, as Scrooge obeys his commands rather than challenging them. The Ghost uses this power to teach and guide Scrooge towards his reformation.
“bent before the Ghost’s rebuke” and began “trembling”
Dickens highlights the effect that the Spirit has on Scrooge by describing his reaction to its message. After the lengthy discourse about social reform, Dickens writes that Scrooge was
“bent before the Ghost’s rebuke” and began “trembling” exemplifying his regret. This consequently reveals that Scrooge is becoming more self-aware and socially conscience, highlighting the power and influence of the Spirit.
