One of those stories everyone knows (even the ones who haven't read the book). It is that open and shut book about a stingy old man Scrooge and his encounter with three ghosts which makes him change his lifestyle. But beneath the surface, there are a few reasons that have assisted in making this book the timeless classic that it is. The tale is made classic by setting it in the Christmas season. Scrooge has been imprinted on our minds as a miserly, bitter , petty and mean old man who cares about nothing and nobody. But the fact that he keeps the name of his business as Scrooge and Marley even after is partner's death points to a fondness for his partner. After Marley's death he finds himself haunted by his partner's memory which leads to his encounter with the ghosts of the Christmas Past, Present and Future. When forced to confront his past, present and the future the recluse Scrooge is reminded of carefree childhood, the life altering choices and in the face of unaltered circumstances, a horrifying prospect of a lonely death coupled with eternal damnation.
The three ghosts' appearance vividly accentuates the three epochs summarised in the book. The Ghost of the Christmas Past appears to be a cross between a child and an old man. He has white hair but no wrinkles. He is portrayed as being strong. This image represents everything Scrooge is at the moment. He is old but inside him resides a child long suppressed. It alludes to the the fact that man is born innocent, interaction with the world leads to callousness and in old age man returns to that higher level of innocence again. It teaches Scrooge not to let his past dictate his future.
The Ghost of the Christmas Present is the ghost of the authentic life. He is a "jolly giant" with brown curls and is accompanied by a feast. It shows Scrooge the contrast between a full life replete with love, happiness, companionship and family which is in stark contrast to scrooge's life of misery and loneliness.
The Ghost of the Christmas Future is the most fearsome of the three spirits. It is hooded and cloaked and it's muteness and undefined features is perhaps the representation of the uncertainty and malleability of the future.
By reliving the past, observing the present and fearing the future Scrooge learns the valuable lesson of mending his ways if he aspires for a better future not only in life but also after death. But most importantly the story shows charity to be not only a pecuniary act but also a symbolic one ( being complimentary, being pleasant and congenial). One the contrary wallowing in regret is self-indulgent, the only way to rise above ones past actions is through reparation.
