During Staves 2 and 3 of "A Christmas Carol," Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past and the Ghost of Christmas Present. When comparing these two ghosts, the reader is immediately struck by their differences.
Physically, for example, the Ghost of Christmas Past is described as being "like a child" with a voice that is "soft and gentle." The ghost also has a clear jet of light protruding from his head. In contrast,...
During Staves 2 and 3 of "A Christmas Carol," Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past and the Ghost of Christmas Present. When comparing these two ghosts, the reader is immediately struck by their differences.
Physically, for example, the Ghost of Christmas Past is described as being "like a child" with a voice that is "soft and gentle." The ghost also has a clear jet of light protruding from his head. In contrast, the Ghost of Christmas Present is a "jolly giant" with a "cheery voice," and an "unconstrained demeanour." Beneath his skirt, he hides two children who symbolise "Ignorance" and "Want."
But the ghosts share some similarities, too; and one of the most important is their shared mission to set Scrooge on the path to redemption. Both ghosts carry out this mission by showing Scrooge how his actions impact other people. The Ghost of Christmas Past, for instance, uses memories of childhood and youth to show the pain that Scrooge inflicted on others, particularly Belle, his former fiancee. Similarly, the Ghost of Christmas Present demonstrates how Scrooge's contemporaries, like the Cratchit family, feel about him.
Ultimately, both ghosts are successful in their endeavours: by the time Scrooge meets the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, he is ready to transform his character and to make amends for the wrongs he has committed.
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