Supernatural Quotations

Question 1

Marley - “I wear the _____ I forged in life”

Answer 1

A literative and figurative declaration. He is held captive due to his actions and he also is the modern equivalent of an accountant, he wrote deeds and ledgers.

The chains symbolize the guilt and suffering he brought upon himself through greed and selfishness. The word “forged” emphasizes that Marley is trapped by his own choices, unable to escape the consequences of his selfish life. This serves as a warning to Scrooge, showing that if he continues down a similar path, he will face the same fate. The chains reflect both physical and emotional imprisonment, highlighting the theme of personal responsibility and the possibility of redemption.

Question 2

“Mankind was my business”

Answer 2

Marley expresses that he neglected the welfare of others during his life. This line shows that he prioritized wealth over compassion, and now regrets it. It highlights Dickens’ theme of social responsibility and the moral lesson that caring for others is vital for redemption.

Question 3

Past Appearance
“A tunic of ______ white”
“Like an old man, yet like a _____”
“Bright clear jet of light”

Answer 3

This gives the spirit an impression of moral authority which highlights its didactic purpose within the text. It also alludes to the biblical image of Jesus who wears white and acts as a moral compass for Christians

It is also interesting that it is described with paradoxical reoccurring contradictions, “like a child”, but also “like an old man”. It holds “fresh green holly” a symbol of winter but has a dress trimmed with “summer flowers”. These paradoxical descriptions illustrate the impossibility of the Sprites existence, emphasising the Supernatural theme. Alternatively, it could be argued that it encompasses all of Scrooge’s past, from youth to gold age which is reflected

The motif of light runs throughout the novella, Past carries his own extinguisher and emits a “bright clear jet of light”. It symbolises enlightenment and spirit. This ultimately presents the Ghost as positive and comforting, despite the prejudiced sinister depiction due to the gothic genre

Question 4

Present Appearance
“Jolly ___”
“Green ____”
“Bare chest, bare breast, open hand”
“Glowing torch…not unlike ______ ____”

Answer 4

Drawing on traditional ideas of Father Christmas

Dickens develops the concept of Christmas by using a semantic field of generosity, describing the Spirit’s hair to be as “free as its genial face” and “open hand” and “bare chest” and “unconstrained demeanour” and “bare breast”. These adjectives directly contrast the list Dickens uses in the beginning, “squeezing, wrenching…. covetous old sinner”. This highlights how generosity is a key part of Christmas spirit, implying that Scrooge needs to develop this trait to transform

t is also interesting to note that Dickens gives the spirit a “glowing torch”, which was “Not unlike Plenty’s horn”. This continues the motif of light illustrated by Past, presenting light as symbolic of positivity and Christmas spirit. Furthermore, “Plenty’s horn”, also referred to as ‘cornucopia’ is a symbol of abundance in Greek and Roman mythology, endless food and drink, associated with Demeter and Plutus

(Anti-Maluthusian)

Question 5

Future Appearance

“Deep black ______”
“Darkness”
“Concealed its ____, its ____ and ____

Answer 5

“Deep black garment”
“Darkness”
“Concealed its head, its face, its form
I
t wears a “deep black garment”, it’s presence seemed to “scatter gloom”, and it’s figure is surrounded by “darkness”. A semantic field of blackness, contrasting the previous 2 sprites embodying light. Light was used to represent positivity and Christmas spirit. The absence of light suggests 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.

Dickens also described how it’s clothes “concealed its head, its face, its form” and outlines the “mysterious presence” it has. Introduces the idea of anonymity, perhaps alluding 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 which is significant as it represents the hand of time. This emphasises the importance and power of time, presenting the idea that Scrooge’s amoral actions will have repercussions.