Staves Four and Five: Death and Rebirth
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is pure nightmare fuel - a silent, hooded figure that shows Scrooge his own death. Nobody mourns him; instead, people celebrate and steal his belongings. The dramatic irony hits hard when Scrooge realises the unloved corpse is himself. This terrifying vision finally breaks through his defenses.
Tiny Tim's potential death becomes the emotional turning point. Bob Cratchit's grief - "My little, little child!" - shows Scrooge the devastating consequences of his stinginess. Tim's famous words "God bless us, every one" symbolise the forgiveness and love that Scrooge has rejected his whole life.
Scrooge's transformation is immediate and complete. He wakes up "as light as a feather" and "as merry as a school-boy," showing his rebirth through similes of joy and freedom. His promise to "honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" proves he's learned the spirits' lessons about compassion, generosity, and human connection.
The ending reinforces Dickens' social message - Scrooge raises Bob's salary and becomes like a second father to Tiny Tim. By showing one man's complete moral transformation, Dickens argues that society itself can change for the better.
Exam Tip: Focus on how Dickens uses supernatural elements not just for scares, but to explore serious themes about poverty, social responsibility, and redemption.