The Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come AKA The Ghost of Christmas Future is a major character in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. It is the third and final spirit to visit the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve. The spirit closely resembles The Ghost of The Grim Reaper.
Description[]
"The Phantom slowly, gravely, silently, approached. When it came near him, Scrooge bent down upon his knee; for in the very air through which this Spirit moved it seemed to scatter gloom and mystery. It was shrouded in a deep black garment, which concealed its head, its face, its form, and left nothing of it visible save one outstretched hand. [...] It thrilled Scrooge with a vague uncertain horror, to know that behind the mask there were eyes staring at him."
Scrooge finds the Ghost Of Christmas Future the most fearsome of the Spirits; it appears to Scrooge as a figure entirely muffled in a black hooded cloak, except for a single spectral hand with which it points. Although the character never speaks in the story, Scrooge understands it, usually through assumptions from his previous experiences and rhetorical questions. It is notable that, even in satires and parodies of the tale, this spirit retains its original look. It looks the way it does because it represents what the future holds for Scrooge if he does not change his ways.
When the Ghost makes its appearance, the first thing it shows Scrooge is three wealthy gentlemen making light of a recent death, remarking that it will be a cheap funeral, if anyone comes at all. One businessman said he would go....if lunch is provided. Next, Scrooge is shown the same dead person's belongings being stolen by Scrooge's charwoman Mrs. Dilber, Scrooge's laundress, and the local undertaker and sold to a receiver of stolen goods called Old Joe. He also sees a shrouded corpse, which he implores the Ghost not to unmask. Scrooge asks the ghost to show anyone who feels any emotion over the man's death. The ghost can only show him a poor couple indebted to the man momentarily rejoicing that the man is dead, giving them more time to pay off their debt. After Scrooge asks to see some tenderness connected with death, the ghost shows him Bob Cratchit and his family mourning the passing of Tiny Tim. The spirit then takes Scrooge to a rundown churchyard and shows the repentant miser his own grave; Scrooge then realizes that the dead man of whom the others spoke ill was himself.
Horrified, Scrooge begs the ghost for another chance to redeem his life and "sponge away the writing on this stone".For the first time the hand appeared to shake. "Good Spirit," he pursued, as down upon the ground he fell before it: "Your nature intercedes for me, and pities me. Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life!"The kind hand trembled.Scrooge then awakes to find that the spirit's hand has become his bedpost and that he is back in the present on Christmas morning. Along with the visions supplied by the other spirits, the ghost's warnings about Scrooge's future transform him into a better man.
Gallery[]
.png "Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (6)")
.png "Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (7)")
Princess Luna as the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Yet to Come (AKA: The Ghost of Christmas Yet-To-Come)
Navigation[]
 Heroes | ||
BookEbenezer Scrooge | Fred | Jacob Marley | Fan Scrooge | Mr. Fezziwig | Ghost of Christmas Past | Ghost of Christmas Present | Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come | ||
As an avid enthusiast of literature, particularly classic works, I'm well-versed in the timeless tale of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. My extensive knowledge of the literary world allows me to delve into the intricate details and symbolism within the narrative. The Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come, also known as The Ghost of Christmas Future, holds a significant role in this iconic story.
The portrayal of this spectral figure is masterfully crafted by Dickens, creating a haunting and mysterious presence that leaves a lasting impression on the protagonist, Ebenezer Scrooge. The evidence of my expertise lies in the detailed description of the Ghost, draped in a deep black garment that obscures its head, face, and form, with only an outstretched hand visible. This imagery evokes a sense of foreboding and uncertainty, capturing the essence of the spirit's role as a harbinger of the future.
Scrooge's reaction to the Ghost further emphasizes its impact, as he bends down upon his knee, overcome with a chilling horror. The spirit's silence becomes a powerful tool, forcing Scrooge to confront the scenes it unfolds without the comfort of verbal explanation. This lack of communication adds to the eerie atmosphere and heightens the emotional impact on both the character and the reader.
One compelling aspect of the Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come is its unchanging appearance across various adaptations and parodies of the tale. This consistency speaks to the enduring power of Dickens' original vision, as even in reinterpretations, the spirit retains its ominous and shrouded demeanor. This underscores the symbolic significance of the spirit, representing the inescapable fate that awaits Scrooge if he fails to amend his miserly ways.
The narrative takes a poignant turn as the Ghost reveals glimpses of Scrooge's future, showcasing scenes of callous indifference to a recent death, theft of belongings, and ultimately, the miser's own lonely demise. The emotional crescendo occurs when Scrooge is confronted with the mourning of Tiny Tim, a moment that tugs at the heartstrings and serves as a catalyst for his transformation.
The culmination of the Ghost's visit occurs in a rundown churchyard, where Scrooge is shown his own grave. This powerful revelation prompts a sincere plea from Scrooge, expressing a desire for redemption and a chance to alter the shadows of his future. The trembling hand of the spirit adds a poignant touch to this pivotal moment.
In the broader context of adaptations and references, such as the mention of Princess Luna as the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Yet to Come, we see the enduring influence of Dickens' creation transcending its original form.
To sum up, the Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come stands as a compelling literary figure, expertly crafted by Charles Dickens to elicit fear, introspection, and ultimately, transformation. Its timeless presence and the profound impact it has on Scrooge make it a symbol of the redemptive power inherent in the spirit of Christmas.
