The ghosts Flashcards
(15 cards)
Marley warns Scrooge that selfish greed creates suffering even after death; a warning for Scrooge’s own fate.
“i wear the chains i forged in life”
Marley regrets neglecting social responsibility; urges Scrooge to change and care for others.
“Mankind was a business”
Marley offers Scrooge a final chance for redemption, kicking off his journey
“I am here tonight to warn you, that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate.”
Marley represents
what scrooge will become if he does not change his ways
dickens uses him to criticise those like scrooge
The first Spirit immediately commands Scrooge to take action—this begins his journey of self-reflection
“Rise! and walk with me!”
Scrooge is shown his own lonely childhood, which builds sympathy and explains his coldness.
“a solitary school boy”
The first ghost represents
-childhood innocence
-light = truth
This open, friendly greeting contrasts Scrooge’s coldness and invites him to reconnect with others
“Come in! Man and know me better!”
The second spirit shows his attachments
which Dickens uses as a stark warning
“They are Man’s… This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both.”
The Spirit echoes Scrooge’s own cruel words to shame him. Scrooge begins to regret them.
“if he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.”
second ghost represents
Jesus
The third spirits silence forces Scrooge to interpret events himself, leading to internal change.
“The Spirit answered not, but pointed onward with its hand.”
The third ghost represents
-the grim reaper
-just as the future is unknown so is the spirit
Scrooge is horrified to realise the dead, unloved man is himself. This is the turning point.
“Am I that man who lay upon the bed?”
Scrooge fully accepts the lesson—commits to long-term change.
“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
