ghost of xmas yet to come

Question 1

characterisation of the ghost of xmas yet to come

Answer 1

-to show scrooge the dark consequences of his actions if he does not to repent.
-dickens uses prolepsis (a flash forward) to show scrooge the reactions of various people in the event of his death
-this stave illustrates the importance of social responsibility as if scrooge had been nicer to those around him he would have been looked after and cared for in death.

Question 2

‘the phantom slowly, gravely, silently approached’ [stave 4]

Answer 2

triplet: ‘slowly, gravely, silently’
↳ create a solemn tone when used together
↳ gravely suggests that the ghost has serious matters to convey to scrooge and indicates the ghost’s power even without speech

sibilance: ‘slowly’, ‘silently’
↳ reflects the secrecy that surrounds the ghost

adverbs: ‘slowly’, ‘gravely’, ‘silently’
↳ slow the pace of the text, reflect how dickens wants to slow the pace of the ghost to increase the dread

Question 3

shrouded in a deep black garment’ surrounded by ‘darkness’, presence seems to ‘scatter gloom’ [stave 4]

Answer 3

semantic field of darkness:
↳ contrasts to motif of light to showcase the consequences of actions rather than guidance, he shows the downfall scrooge will have if he does not change
↳ connotates to death as the ghost will be showing scrooge his death and the impact it will have

Question 4

‘concealed its head, its face, its form’ [stave 4]

Answer 4

-anonymity alludes to the uncertain future & shows that scrooge can still change

‘form’
↳ suggests that the spirit isn’t solid, echoing that the future can be changed

Question 5

unwatched, unwept, uncared for [stave 4]

Answer 5

triadic structure
↳ emphasises lack of care in scrooges death
↳ contrasts with the effect of tiny tim’s death

dramatic irony: