supernatural Flashcards
overview
In A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens uses supernatural elements to shape the story and convey important moral lessons. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come are key to this, acting as both literal and symbolic figures. Through their visits to Scrooge, Dickens presents the supernatural not only as a way to entertain but also as a tool for transformation, showing how these eerie encounters can change a person’s hear
1st para
The first supernatural element we encounter is the ghost of Jacob Marley. Marley’s ghost appears early in the novella, wrapped in chains and dragging heavy boxes, which immediately sets a haunting tone for the story. His chains symbolize the burden of his selfish actions during his lifetime, particularly his obsession with wealth. Marley’s punishment is to wander the earth forever, weighed down by the very things that once defined his existence, like “cash-boxes” and “ledgers.” This vivid image of chains serves as a warning to Scrooge, showing him that a life focused solely on material wealth without care for others can lead to eternal regret. Marley’s ghost tells Scrooge, “I wear the chain I forged in life.” This statement emphasizes that our actions have long-term consequences, even after death. Dickens uses Marley’s ghost to convey the message that without change, Scrooge will face a similar fate. The supernatural in this instance is not only eerie but also deeply moral, urging Scrooge—and the reader—to reflect on the cost of greed.
2nd para
The second supernatural being Scrooge encounters is the Ghost of Christmas Past. This spirit is described as “like a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man, viewed through some supernatural medium.” The ghost’s appearance is strange, with “a bright clear jet of light” emanating from its head, which symbolizes the illumination of Scrooge’s memories and past mistakes. The spirit is “strange” and “faint,” and this surreal appearance represents how Scrooge has become disconnected from his past and emotions over the years. The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge on a journey through his own history, showing him scenes of his childhood, early adulthood, and the loss of his beloved Fiancée, Belle. In one poignant scene, Scrooge is forced to witness Belle’s decision to end their engagement due to his growing obsession with wealth. She says, “Another idol has displaced me… a golden one.” This is a moment of deep regret for Scrooge, as he realizes that his greed has cost him the love and happiness he once had. The supernatural in this case functions as a means of confronting past mistakes, forcing Scrooge to reflect on how his choices have shaped his current life. The eerie sensation of time travel through the ghost’s influence emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s past in order to make amends.
3rd para
The Ghost of Christmas Present, by contrast, is a figure of warmth and joy. The spirit is “a jolly giant” clothed in a rich green robe, and his abundance of food symbolizes the generosity and vitality of the Christmas season. He introduces Scrooge to the Cratchit family and shows the struggling but loving household. The spirit reveals Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit’s ill son, who can barely walk and whose health is threatened by the family’s poverty. The Ghost of Christmas Present says, “God bless us, every one!” These words are full of warmth and hope, despite the Cratchit family’s hardships. The supernatural here is not terrifying, but rather illuminating. It makes Scrooge see how his actions—or lack of actions—affect those around him. For example, when Scrooge sees Bob Cratchit’s tiny, frail son, he asks, “Tell me, Spirit, will he live?” The ghost replies with a grim warning: “If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, none of my children will die.” This moment shocks Scrooge, making him realize the real-world consequences of his selfishness. The spirit’s ability to show the present, with all its joys and struggles, reveals how the supernatural acts as a catalyst for Scrooge to question his own values.
4th para
The final ghost, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, is the most terrifying of all. It is described as a “figure in a black cloak, which is so vast and mysterious that Scrooge cannot see its face.” This ghost represents the unknown future and is entirely silent, which adds to the sense of dread surrounding it. The spirit shows Scrooge a future where he is dead and forgotten, and no one mourns his passing. Scrooge is horrified to learn that his passing is met with indifference: “The case of this unhappy man might be my own.” The supernatural element of this ghost forces Scrooge to confront his mortality, and the fear of dying alone and unloved acts as the final catalyst for his transformation. When Scrooge sees the gravestone marked with his own name, he cries out, “I will not be the man I must have been… I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!” The eerie, silent presence of the ghost and the chilling visions of death compel Scrooge to change his ways, realizing that he has the power to shape his future through his actions.
conclusion
In conclusion, Dickens uses the supernatural in A Christmas Carol not just to create a sense of mystery and fear but as a way of guiding Scrooge towards redemption. The ghosts act as agents of change, forcing Scrooge to confront his past, present, and future. Each ghost serves a different role in this process: Marley’s ghost warns of the consequences of selfishness, the Ghost of Christmas Past illuminates the mistakes of Scrooge’s earlier life, the Ghost of Christmas Present reveals the struggles of those around him, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows him the grim reality of a life unloved. Through these supernatural encounters, Scrooge learns the importance of kindness, generosity, and human connection. The supernatural is central to the story, serving both as a warning and a means of personal growth, and Dickens uses it to show that it’s never too late to change and embrace a better way of living.
