The Ghost of Christmas Present is an important character in 'A Christmas Carol', one of the most popular Christmas novellas, written by the prolific English novelist Charles Dickens. The Spirit resembles Father Christmas, one of the spirits from local folklore, to a certain degree. Following the visit by Jacob Marley and the Ghost of Christmas past, Ghost of Christmas Present was the second of the three spirits that haunted the miser Ebenezer Scrooge so as to tempt him to change his miserly ways. The ghost shows Scrooge the present day jovialities and celebration surrounding the Christmas. The ghost is depicted as a blithe spirit and his "Ho, ho, ho" laugh, is typical to Santa Claus. At the end of the journey, the ghost admonishes Scrooge and warns him against Want and Ignorance. He then disappears leaving Scrooge to think about his experience. Continue reading and embark on the journey that Scrooge made with this spirit.
Christmas Ghost
Appearance
As described in Dickens's novella, 'A Christmas Carol', the Ghost of Christmas Present appears to Scrooge as "a jolly giant" with dark brown curls. The spirit is described wearing fur-lined green robe and holly wreath set, with shining icicles sitting on his head, and also carries a large torch. He claims that he has had "more than eighteen hundred" brothers. He also possesses the ability to alter his size to fit into any space. A scabbard that dangles around his waist carries no sword and is a depiction of peace on Earth and goodwill toward men.
Role In 'A Christmas Carol'
The Ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge on a journey to show affairs as they are in the present day and acquaints him with the joy and festivities of Christmas. He shows him a convivial market place where people are seen making purchases for Christmas dinner. He also takes Scrooge to the house of Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's poor clerk, who is having Christmas dinner of roast goose, with his destitute family, with the little money that Scrooge pays him.
Then, the ghost shows Scrooge the Christmas party to which he was invited by his nephew, Fred. The spirit shows Scrooge, how Fred and his friends are playing party games after their Christmas dinner and are completely engrossed in the festivities and celebrations.
Lastly, the ghost warns Scrooge against Want and Ignorance. He also cautions him of a perilous life which he would have to lead if he doesn't mend his ways. As soon as the meeting is over, the Ghost of Christmas Present turns into a skeleton, which soon becomes a pile of ash. Then, as the clock tower strikes 12, the next ghost pays visit to Scrooge.
Portrayal In Films
A Christmas Carol has been one of the most popular Christmas novellas and its characters, including the Ghost of Christmas Present, have made several appearances in TV serials, films and dramas since its publication. The 1988 comedy film "Scrooged" depicts the Ghost of Christmas Present as a fairy. In the 1999 film starring Patrick Stewart, the Ghost of Christmas Present was quite similar to the illustrations in the Dickens's version.
Read the above lines and learn how the Ghost of Christmas Present entices Scrooge to change and become a generous and jolly soul.
Christmas Ghost of present is the second spirit that visits Scrooge to prompt him to change his miserly ways, as described in 'A Christmas Carol'. Read on to know all about the Ghost of Christmas present.