2.2.4
The Ghosts Pt 1
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The Ghost of Christmas Past
The Ghosts try to teach Ebenezer Scrooge some lessons and try to reform him. The Ghosts show Scrooge the choices he has made, is making, and the choices he has yet to make, and show him the consequences of his decisions.
Young and old
- The Ghost of Christmas Past is shown to be young and old at the same time.
- The Ghost has light coming from the top of its head: “from the crown of its head there sprung a bright clear jet of light, by which all this was visible”.
Explores Scrooge's past
- It shows him young Scrooge, who was alone and desperate for love, affection and relationships, but who was forced to be in solitude.
- It shows him that he did have some affection from his much-loved sister.
- It also makes him start to realise that he has since pushed other relationships away: his nephew, his ex-fiancée.
- It shows Scrooge that his old boss was a kind, loving man. This also makes him realise how much he mistreats his own employee, Bob Cratchit.
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Causes Scrooge to question behaviour
- The Ghost of Christmas Past makes Scrooge see all the bad things he experienced, and causes him to realise that he is putting people through the same thing, or actually treating them worse.
- This first visitation causes Scrooge to question why he has been treating people the way that he has.
The Ghost of Christmas Present
The Ghosts try to teach Ebenezer Scrooge some lessons and try to reform him. The Ghosts show Scrooge the choices he has made, is making, and the choices he has yet to make, and show him the consequences of his decisions.
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Welcoming and warm
- The Ghost of Christmas Present is shown to be a big, happy, welcoming presence.
- The Ghost is generous and warm: “Come in! and know me better, man!”
Highlights the good of Christmas
- The Ghost shows Scrooge the happiness and good things that come from Christmas Day (Scrooge says in Stave 1 that Christmas doesn’t do anyone any good).
- He sees Bob Cratchit’s family, who are all so excited to be together and enjoying the few treats they can afford at Christmas. He learns that this lower-class family work really hard but that they do so to make each other’s lives better. They do not care that they cannot afford much, but enjoy being together as a family and playing games.
Highlights the good of Christmas (continued)
- He sees Fred’s family, who laugh and play games and generally enjoy themselves thoroughly.
- Scrooge begs the Ghost to let him stay longer and enjoy the games with his family – this is the first sign that he is choosing not to be alone.
1Plot Summary
2Key Characters & Quotes
2.1Ebenezer Scrooge
2.2Other Characters
2.2.1Bob Cratchit2.2.2Tiny Tim2.2.3Fred2.2.4The Ghosts Pt 12.2.5The Ghosts Pt 22.2.6End of Topic Test - Other Characters2.2.7Diagnostic Misconceptions - Bob Marley2.2.8Diagnostic Misconceptions - Two Ghosts2.2.9Diagnostic Misconceptions - Ghost of Christmas2.2.10Diagnostic Misconceptions - The Cratchits
2.3Grade 9 - Key Characters
3Key Ideas
4Context
5Authorial Method
6Recap: Main Quotes
Jump to other topics
1Plot Summary
2Key Characters & Quotes
2.1Ebenezer Scrooge
2.2Other Characters
2.2.1Bob Cratchit2.2.2Tiny Tim2.2.3Fred2.2.4The Ghosts Pt 12.2.5The Ghosts Pt 22.2.6End of Topic Test - Other Characters2.2.7Diagnostic Misconceptions - Bob Marley2.2.8Diagnostic Misconceptions - Two Ghosts2.2.9Diagnostic Misconceptions - Ghost of Christmas2.2.10Diagnostic Misconceptions - The Cratchits
2.3Grade 9 - Key Characters
3Key Ideas
4Context
5Authorial Method
6Recap: Main Quotes
Practice questions on The Ghosts Pt 1
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- 3What does the Ghost of Christmas Past NOT show Scrooge?Multiple choice
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- 5
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