A Christmas Carol
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ has the greatest
impact on the protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge. The shadows of the past, events of the present, and
possibilities of the future all influence Scrooge’s transformation. However, whilst they all have a
significant impact on him, they do not have the most impact on Scrooge’s change. The main
ghost that transformed him was the Ghost of Christmas Yet to come as he was the only ghost
which truly manipulated him to change his ways and become a kind, genuine man.
The other ghosts somewhat caused change, although they were all ineffective and had nothing to
do with Scrooges future. The Ghost of Christmas Past showed Scrooge a past he could not
change, the Ghost of Christmas Present showed him the present, although the Ghost of the
Future showed him a future that he was capable of changing and making his own. There were
complaints made by Marley, the Ghost of Christmas Past and the Ghost of Christmas Present that
prove the first three were not able to fully convert him. For example, Marley isn’t even able to
convince Scrooge that ghosts exist in Stave 1, as Scrooge tells himself that Marley’s ghost may
have been a simple “complaint” of the stomach. Next, when the Ghost of Christmas Present
clasps Scrooge’s arms and begins to lead him towards the window, Scrooge resists, saying, “I am
a mortal, and liable to fall”. This forceful action definitely doesn’t speak to conversion. Also, the
Ghost of Christmas Present continually asks Scrooge if he has learned from these visions. It was
only the Ghost of the Future who gets that honour of Scrooge’s full conversion. It is only after this
fourth spirit that we come to the end of it and discover the heartwarming change.
Another influence of this ghost was simply the character of the ghost. He is silent and Scrooge
must do all the work himself. The past two ghosts have human traits and personalities, whereas
this ghost had no humanity. He was a shadowy black cloaked figure with no face, voice or
emotions. This ghost influenced Scrooge to change the most as without having to talk...