stave four Flashcards
“i fear you. more than any spectre i’ve seen.”
Reveals Scrooge’s growing fear of the future and his recognition for the need to change, now that he has been confronted with the potential consequences of his actions.
“the phantom slowly, gravely, silently approached”
Marks the arrival of the ghost of Christmas yet to come, and how he resembles the slowness and grimness of death, the list of adjectives one after another signalling a somber and foreboding tone.
“bent down upon his knee”
Signifies Scrooge’s transition to respect, submissiveness and willingness to learn and change his faults.
Could also physically demonstrate how Scrooge seems to get lower every time he meets the Ghosts, linking to the idea that they make him feel lowly and regretful. However, it may potentially hint that time is running out and that if he doesn’t make an immediate change, then he will end up in hell/purgatory.
“it’s likely to be a very cheap funeral”
Scrooge lacks a true legacy because of how he has acted throughout his life. His dismissiveness towards Fred, his only remaining family left, means that he doesn’t have many, if not anyone at all, that would reminisce Scrooge when he died.
Highlights irony that despite Scrooge’s greed and obsession with money, he will end up with nothing once he is dead.
