Ghost Of Christmas Yet To Come Flashcards
wearing a “deep black garment”; its presence seemed to “scatter gloom” and its figure was surrounded by “darkness”.
The Spirit is described as wearing a “deep black garment”; its presence seemed to “scatter gloom” and its figure was surrounded by “darkness”. Here, Dickens uses a semantic field of blackness, which contrasts the previous two Spirits as they were both associated with symbols of light. This is interesting, as the motif of light was used to represent positivity and Christmas spirit. Therefore, the absence of light suggests that Scrooge’s future will be bleak and unpromising, presenting the idea that he needs to repent and exhibit Christmas spirit in order to prevent these consequences.
Ghost’s clothes “concealed its head, its face, its form” and outlines the “mysterious presence”
Dickens also describes how the Ghost’s clothes “concealed its head, its face, its form” and outlines the “mysterious presence” it has. This introduces the idea of anonymity, perhaps to allude to the uncertain and indefinite nature of the future. It is also interesting to note that instead of speaking the Spirit “pointed onward with its hand”. This is the only interaction Scrooge has with the Spirit which is significant as its hand may represent the hand of time. This emphasises both the importance and power of time, presenting the idea that Scrooge’s amoral actions will have repercussions.
“he frightened everyone away from him when he was alive, to profit us when he was dead, ha, ha!”.
Nobody seems negatively affected by Scrooge’s death which emphasises the messages the Spirits are trying to relay to him.
• The charwoman, one of the characters that Scrooge watches in the pawn shop, says that
“he frightened everyone away from him when he was alive, to profit us when he was dead, ha, ha!”. This essentially means that the isolated lifestyle Scrooge chose to lead left him similarly isolated in his death. As a result his belongings could be taken by whoever wanted them, rather than being protected by those who cared for him. The charwoman finishes this assertion with a laugh, revealing that people are not just indifferent to Scrooge’s death but are happy about it as they can finally profit from his wealth.
“sleep with light hearts”,
• Dickens reinforces this through the character of Caroline. Her family owed Scrooge money, but following his death they can
“sleep with light hearts”, highlighting the happiness and relief that followed his death.
“shrouded in a deep black garment”
The use of imagery in this phrase resonates with both Victorian (contemporary) and modern-day readers, who likely find the image similar to that of the Grim Reaper - a widely recognised symbol of death. The black colour of the garment is further described as being
“deep”, developing the Phantom’s solemn presence.
“Read upon the neglected grave his own name, EBENEEZER SCROOGE”
The adjective “neglected’ is used both during the life of Scrooge as well as his death. Therefore, the reader is able to see the unchanging timeline of Scrooge’s life. The way that Scrooge lived in life is how he died, a type of poetic justice irony, getting what is deserved).
“Hear me! I am not the man I was”
A fear of the future is what persuades Scrooge to change his ways. The exclamation mark underlines the way in which the scenes have resonated within him, highlighting his eagerness to change.
He says that he is “prepared to bear” the Spirit’s company and will do it with a “thankful
heart”.
The fear that Scrooge feels, in addition to the Spirits silence, forces him to become more forthcoming in the final stave. This prompts Scrooge to actively take control of his redemption. The reader witnesses this through Scrooge’s willingness to go with the Spirit.
He says that he is “prepared to bear” the Spirit’s company and will do it with a “thankful
heart”. This highlights how he is more open to the idea of redemption, signifying his change.
despite Scrooge’s strength the Spirit was “stronger yet” and “repulsed Scrooge”.
Dickens reveals that despite Scrooge’s strength the Spirit was “stronger yet” and “repulsed Scrooge”. This assertion ensures that the Spirits keep their powerful status above Scrooge. Furthermore, it highlights that while Scrooge has some control over his future he cannot escape his eventual death. Ultimately, this emphasises that it is important to lead a good life and leave a lasting legacy, as death is inescapable.
