Stave 2: The first of the three spirits | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

The Ghost of Christmas Past's role is to (a)   Scrooge.

Answer explanation

The Ghost of Christmas Past's role is to enlighten Scrooge.

Which of these is not a feature of the Ghost of Christmas Past's appearance?

• long muscular arms

• a sparkling belt

• long white hair

• a green tunic

• a jet of white light from its head

Answer explanation

The Ghost of Christmas Past wears a white tunic.

What does the Ghost of Christmas Past's shifting and changing appearance reflect?

• it reflects how our view of the past isn't accurate

• it reflects how Scrooge is very willing to change in stave one

• it reflects how our view of the past changes over time

• it reflects how difficult it is to see the spirit

• it reflects that the future is uncertain

Answer explanation

The Ghost of Christmas Past's shifting and changing appearance reflects the idea that our view of our own past changes over time.

What kind of relationship did Scrooge share with his family?

• He was close to his father but did not get on with his sister.

• Scrooge's father was more fond of Scrooge than his sister.

• Scrooge's sister hated him but loved their father.

• He was extremely fond of his sister but treated harshly by his father.

Answer explanation

In stave two, we learn that Scrooge was extremely fond of his sister but was treated very harshly by their father.

Why was it so important for Dickens to show us Scrooge's past and memories?

• so that we can see that Scrooge has always been a miserly character

• so that we can feel sorry for Scrooge and excuse his behaviour in stave one

• so that we can empathise with Scrooge and understand how he has become miserly

• to show us that Scrooge has the potential to change because he used to be kind

• to show us that Scrooge cannot change because he is too damaged by his past

Answer explanation

Dickens shows us Scrooge's past in A Christmas Carol to allow us to empathise with Scrooge and understand how he has become miserly. We also realise, in seeing Scrooge's past, that he has the potential to change because he used to be kind.