Stave 3: The Ghost of Christmas Present
The second spirit appears surrounded by abundance and warmth, embodying the generosity of Christmas. This jolly giant has "more than eighteen hundred" brothers, representing every Christmas that has ever been celebrated. His magical torch sprinkles festive spirit on everyone they pass through London's streets.
At the Cratchit household, we meet the story's most important character: Tiny Tim. Despite their poverty (the family's Christmas dinner is "eked out by apple sauce"), the Cratchits are genuinely happy. Tiny Tim's disability represents the vulnerable people in Victorian society who needed protection and support.
When Scrooge asks about Tiny Tim's future, the spirit coldly responds "I see a vacant seat" - suggesting the boy will die. This prediction devastates Scrooge, showing how he's beginning to care about others' wellbeing.
The spirit reveals two horrifying children hidden under his cloak: Ignorance and Want. These allegorical figures represent society's failure to educate and care for its young people. When Scrooge asks what can be done, the spirit throws his own heartless words back at him: "Are there no prisons?" This moment forces Scrooge to confront the cruelty of his earlier attitudes.
Key Quote: "God bless us everyone!" - Tiny Tim's innocent blessing shows pure goodness despite suffering, contrasting sharply with Scrooge's earlier selfishness.