Friday, February 14, 2014

How come the Ghost Of Christmas Future is the only ghost that doesn't speak?

Perhaps the Ghost of Christmas Future does not speak to underscore the emptiness of Scrooge's future if he does not change his ways. While the Ghost of Christmas Past and the Ghost of Christmas Present are stern with Scrooge, they still offer kind words and encouragement for Scrooge to change. The Ghost of Christmas Future presents a damning image of Scrooge's lonely life to come if he does not become a kinder and more empathetic person. The Ghost of Christmas Future presents tragic images of what will befall the people in Scrooge's life, such as Tiny Tim, who are victims of his greediness and miserly ways. The Ghost of Christmas Future also carries an image similar to the Grim Reaper, who silently comes to bring someone into the land of The Dead. Both figuratively and literally (for Tiny Tim) death awaits Scrooge if he does not change.


I believe that the reason the ghost of Christmas future, of "Christmas yet to come," does not speak is to lend an air of eeriness to the story's narrative. Dickens always expertly used descriptive language in his writings, but this time, it seems, having no words spoken by this particular ghastly character is a very effective tool. The other ghosts discuss events in Scrooge's past and present and warn him of his fate and the fate of others, such as Tiny Tim, if the miser does not change his life. The final ghost gives no verbal warnings but presents vivid images of what the future holds for an unrepentant Ebenezer and those touched by his greediness. The silence of this character provides an ingeniously dark and hollow feeling of finality to the presumed outcome of the story. After all, there are no words in the grave.

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