Ghost Of Xmas Past

Question 1

‘Like a child; yet not so like a child as like an old man’ - ghost of Xmas past

Answer 1

Metaphorically and symbolically shows the connection between Scrooge then and Scrooge now and emphasises now childhood was so long ago

Question 2

‘Bright clear jet of light appears from its head’ - ghost of Xmas past

Answer 2

This symbolises the worth of Scrooge’s memories

Ghost shows a light on the child Scrooge used to be he was capable of love

Question 3

Ghost of Xmas past

Answer 3

The ghost is generally quiet and compassionate for the bits of Scrooge’s miserable childhood that we get to see. He speaks with a ‘low’ voice as if he is distant- linked to Scrooge’s distant past . The ghost is forceful asking questions he is eager for Scrooge to learn and explain what he’s realised. Scrooge’s wrestles with the highest and metaphorically we know this as the old Scrooge is new Scrooge etc.
The ghost enables dickens to explore the social and moral issues central to the novella: poverty, guilt and redemption