The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come in A Christmas Carol
- Silent
- Dark
- Ominous
The final Ghost is frightening and eerie. It doesn't say a word to Scrooge, but glides along and points out scenes to him.
The spirit first shows Scrooge a funeral scene, with businessmen wondering about the money that the dead man has left. The Ghost then takes him through dark alleyways to a scene of three people picking through the belongings of the deceased. Scrooge recognises that his own death could be met this way.
Next the Ghost takes him to the Cratchit household where Scrooge is upset to realise that Tiny Tim has died.
Finally the Ghost shows him a tombstone engraved with the name: Ebenezer Scrooge. Clutching at the spirit's robes, Scrooge pledges to change his ways if he can avoid this solitary death. The Ghost disappears and leaves Scrooge clutching at his bed curtains.
| How is The Ghost like this? | Evidence | Analysis | |
| Silent | This last ghost does not speak at all. It is the most haunting in appearance. | ...a solemn Phantom, draped and hooded, coming, like a mist along the ground, towards him. | Dickens shows a 'solemn' and spooky spirit in the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. |
| Frightening | The ghost fills Scrooge with terror. | Scrooge feared the silent shape so much that his legs trembled beneath him, and he found that he could hardly stand when he prepared to follow it. | The presence of this ghost makes Scrooge afraid.His trembling legs and inability to stand firm show how he is worried about the future that the ghost will show him. |
| Demanding | The ghost points wherever he wants Scrooge to look and does not move until he obeyed. | Still the Ghost pointed with an unmoved finger to the head. | The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come silently demands that Scrooge pays attention. The spirit's silence is unrelenting. |
| Silent | |
|---|---|
| How is The Ghost like this? | This last ghost does not speak at all. It is the most haunting in appearance. |
| Evidence | ...a solemn Phantom, draped and hooded, coming, like a mist along the ground, towards him. |
| Analysis | Dickens shows a 'solemn' and spooky spirit in the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. |
| Frightening | |
|---|---|
| How is The Ghost like this? | The ghost fills Scrooge with terror. |
| Evidence | Scrooge feared the silent shape so much that his legs trembled beneath him, and he found that he could hardly stand when he prepared to follow it. |
| Analysis | The presence of this ghost makes Scrooge afraid.His trembling legs and inability to stand firm show how he is worried about the future that the ghost will show him. |
| Demanding | |
|---|---|
| How is The Ghost like this? | The ghost points wherever he wants Scrooge to look and does not move until he obeyed. |
| Evidence | Still the Ghost pointed with an unmoved finger to the head. |
| Analysis | The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come silently demands that Scrooge pays attention. The spirit's silence is unrelenting. |
As a literary enthusiast deeply familiar with Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," particularly the portrayal of The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, I can provide a comprehensive analysis of the evidence presented in the article. My extensive knowledge of literature and Dickens' works allows me to delve into the nuances of the character and the underlying themes.
Evidence: Silent The article emphasizes that the final ghost does not utter a single word. This silence is indeed a distinctive feature, contributing to the eerie and haunting nature of The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. The description of the spirit as a "solemn Phantom, draped and hooded, coming, like a mist along the ground" adds to the mysterious and unsettling ambiance. Dickens deliberately employs silence to create a sense of foreboding and anticipation.
Analysis: Silent Dickens, through the silence of this ghost, underscores the gravity of its message. The absence of verbal communication heightens the visual impact and forces Scrooge to confront the scenes presented without the comfort of explanation or justification. The choice to make the Ghost silent underscores the weight of the visions it imparts, leaving a lasting impression on both Scrooge and the readers.
Evidence: Frightening The article highlights that The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come fills Scrooge with terror. The specific mention of Scrooge's physical reaction, with trembling legs and difficulty standing, illustrates the profound fear instilled by this spectral figure.
Analysis: Frightening Dickens skillfully employs fear as a tool for transformation. By portraying The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come as a source of terror, Dickens compels Scrooge to confront the consequences of his actions. The physical manifestation of fear in Scrooge's trembling legs reinforces the emotional impact, symbolizing the gravity of the visions and their potential impact on his future.
Evidence: Demanding The ghost points wherever it wants Scrooge to look and does not move until Scrooge obeys. This authoritative behavior underscores the ghost's insistence that Scrooge pays attention to the unfolding scenes, creating a sense of urgency.
Analysis: Demanding The demanding nature of The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come serves a crucial purpose in the narrative. By compelling Scrooge to observe and reflect on the presented visions, the ghost becomes a catalyst for self-examination and transformation. The unmoved finger pointing to the head symbolizes a direct and unwavering demand for Scrooge's attention and acknowledgment of the impending future.
In conclusion, The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come in "A Christmas Carol" is masterfully crafted by Dickens to be a silent, frightening, and demanding entity. The evidence presented in the article aligns with Dickens' deliberate choices in characterizing this ghost, contributing to the overall impact of the narrative on both the protagonist and the readers.
