Ghost of Christmas Past

Question 1

“it was a strange figure - like a child; yet not so like a child as like an old man”

Answer 1

This duality suggests that the past is both innocent and wise, capturing the idea that our childhoods hold both the purity of youth and the formative experiences that shape us into who we become.

Juxtaposition is used.

Question 2

“bright clear jet of light”

Answer 2

Develops the motif of light which runs throughout the text.

Symbolises enlightment and christmas spirit. Ulitmately presents the Ghost as a positive and comforting influence, despite the fact that a reader might expect the spirits to be sinister due to the Gothic genre.

Question 3

“fell upon the heart of Scrooge with a softening influence, and gave a freer passage to his tears”

Answer 3

The metaphor “a softening influence” directly contrasts with the hardness that has defined Scrooge’s character so far.

The noun “passage” evokes the idea of something being blocked or closed off — perhaps Scrooge’s emotions have long been repressed or denied, but are now being released.

In the Victorian era, open displays of emotion, particularly from men, were typically seen as signs of weakness.