Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come

Question 1

The Phantom slowly, gravely, silently approached

Answer 1

The use of the triplet ‘slowly, gravely, silently’ immediately changes the tone of the narrative, creating an ominous and sombre atmosphere that contrasts it with the previous 2 staves. The adverb ‘gravely’ foreshadows the reveal of Scrooge’s tombstone later in the stave. The noun ‘Phantom’ has overall darker connotations than that of spirit or ghost creating a sense of tension for the reader

Question 2

It was shrouded in a deep black garment

Answer 2

It’s description similar to that of Death contrasts with the bright descriptions of the previous 2 Ghosts. The semantic field of darkness immediately juxtaposes with the motif of light previously used suggesting Scrooge’s future will be bleak

Question 3

Concealed its head, its face, its form

Answer 3

Dickens introduces the idea of anonymity and describes the final ghost vaguely as to allude to the indefinite and vague nature of the future. It’s what makes the Ghost even more frightening as it’s taps into the natural human fear of the unknown.

Question 4

Pointed onwards with its hand

Answer 4

This is the only direct interaction Scrooge has with the Ghost which is significant as its hand may represent the ‘hand of time’ showing the power and importance of time on someone’s life