Ghost of Christmas Present

Question 1

Character summary of GoCPr

Answer 1

• Seen as personification of xmas spirit. Takes S to see diff ways xmas is celebrated - from humble Cratchit celebration to lively party at Fred’s house
• Purpose to highlight importance of xmas spirit & spending time w loved ones
• Described as “kind, generous, hearty nature” - triplet expressing values that are central to idea of xmas spirit

Question 2

Appearance of GoCPr

Answer 2

“Jolly Giant” wearing “green robe” & “holly wreath” - reflecting traditional ideas of Father Xmas. Green = festivity

Carries “antique scabbard” w “no sword in it” - against all violence preaches importance of goodwill/peace

Question 3

Purpose of GoCPr

Answer 3

• mouthpiece for Dickens views on social reform
• presented to be sitting on a “kind of throne” made of excessive amount of food - abundance of supplies challenge to Malthusian view (not enough resources available for everyone)
• Ignorance & Want appear under robes - “Oh Man! Look here. Look, look down here” - D uses vocative diacope to develop despair. Emphasises effect of poverty on youth/ignoring poor. Social reform needed

Question 4

Power dynamic between Scrooge & GoCPr

Answer 4

• S entirely diff dynamic w GoCPr - has started to change
• Scrooge “obeyed” - strangely submissive behaviour obeys w/o challenge
• Spirit: “Come in!” - imperatives, authoritive
• mocks S’s earleir words “surplus population” allowing him to see error of his ways - guies his reformation

Question 5

Key quotes of GoCPr

Answer 5

“Sprinkled incense on their dinners from his torch” - way of making disagrements vanish, spreading goodness in victorian times