Points: exposing current joy; challenging prejudice; exposing social evils; urging immediate action

k, g, h n

The Ghost of Christmas Present is often seen as the personification of Christmas spirit, a representation which is furthered by the scenes he chooses to show Scrooge. The Spirit takes Scrooge to see the different ways Christmas is celebrated, from the humble Cratchit celebration to the lively party at Fred’s house. It can therefore be said that the Spirit’s purpose is to highlight the importance of Christmas spirit to Scrooge. This is illustrated when Dickens uses the rule of three to describe the Spirit, outlining that it had a “kind, generous, hearty nature”. Here, Dickens explores the values that are central to the idea of Christmas spirit, emphasising the moral and positive aspects in addition to religious themes.

n

It is interesting to note that Scrooge makes a connection between the Spirit and God, claiming that ‘blue laws’ were observed in the Spirit’s “name”. This presents the Spirit as having the same moral authority as the Ghost of Christmas Past, highlighting its own didactic purpose.

j G

g r

h w

The Spirit is described as a “jolly Giant” who was wearing a “green robe” and had a “holly wreath” on its head, drawing on traditional ideas of Father Christmas. This furthers the idea that the Ghost is meant to represent the Christmas spirit.

f a i g f

o h

u d

Dickens develops this concept of Christmas by using a semantic field of generosity, describing the Spirit’s hair to be as “free as its genial face” and continuing by describing its “open hand” and “unconstrained demeanour”. These adjectives and simile directly contrast the list Dickens uses in the opening stave where he describes Scrooge as a “squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner”. This highlights how generosity is a key part of Christmas spirit, implying that Scrooge needs to develop this trait in order to fully reform.

g t

n u P’s h

It is also interesting to note that Dickens gives the Spirit a “glowing torch” which was “not unlike Plenty’s horn”. This continues the motif of light that was also illustrated by the Ghost of Christmas Past, presenting light as symbolic of positivity and Christmas spirit. Furthermore, “Plenty’s horn”, also referred to as ‘cornucopia’, is a symbol of abundance in Greek and Roman mythology.

a s

n s i i

e u w r

Dickens describes the Ghost as carrying an “antique scabbard” which had “no sword in it” and was “eaten up with rust”, suggesting it had not been used for a long time. This is significant as it shows the reader that there is no place for conflict during the festive time, instead appearing as a symbol of peace. The fact that the scabbard is present but empty suggests that while conflict may have existed it should be removed and forgotten. This ultimately presents Christmas as a time for love and happiness, a message that the Spirit foregrounds during his time with Scrooge.

k o t

The Ghost of Christmas Present is arguably used as a mouthpiece for Dickens’ views on social reform as this is a theme which is heavily explored during the stave. Therefore, while its purpose with regards to the plot is to guide Scrooge towards his redemption, it transcends this role in order to present a social commentary to readers. The Spirit is introduced to the reader as sitting on a “kind of throne” made of an excessive amount of food. This immediately acts as a challenge to the Malthusian view that there are not enough resources available to go around, instead highlighting that there is an abundance of supplies. The Spirit is therefore presented as aware of social issues - a portrayal which continues throughout the stave.

s p

d w m s l

w m s d

This is most notably seen when Scrooge questions the Spirit about the fate of Tiny Tim, to which the Ghost replies by mocking Scrooge’s words about the “surplus population”. He continues with a lengthy and somewhat vexed discourse about social injustice, challenging Scrooge on why he believed he had the authority to “decide what men shall live” and “what men shall die”. It could be argued that Dickens’ own frustration towards this attitude is revealed through the Spirit’s speech, perhaps suggesting that his exasperation is also directed at readers. Therefore, it could be said that Dickens uses the Spirit as a tool to convey his own ideas about social reform.

o

C i!

L u m!

Scrooge moves away from his defiant attitude with the Ghost of Christmas Past. His relationship with the Ghost of Christmas Present takes on an entirely different dynamic, highlighting that he has started to change. When the Spirit first appears, he tells Scrooge to come into the room. Dickens writes that Scrooge “obeyed”, highlighting his strangely submissive attitude. This is made more apparent by the Ghost’s dominating behaviour. The first phrase he uses is the imperative, “Come in!” which he follows with the command “Look upon me!”. Dickens’ use of exclamations and imperative commands allows the Spirit to assert his dominance. While this behaviour does mirror the authority of the first Spirit, this Ghost appears more powerful, as Scrooge obeys his commands rather than challenging them.

s p

b b t G’s r

t

The Ghost uses his dominance over Scrooge to teach and guide Scrooge towards his reformation. This is seen when it mocks Scrooge’s earlier words about the “surplus population”, causing him to see the error of his ways. This drives him forward towards his redemption and so pushes the narrative along. Dickens highlights the effect that the Spirit has on Scrooge by describing his reaction to its message. After the lengthy discourse about social reform, Dickens writes that Scrooge was “bent before the Ghost’s rebuke” and began “trembling” exemplifying his regret. This consequently reveals that Scrooge is becoming more self-aware and socially conscience, highlighting the power and influence of the Spirit.