A Christmas Carol - Wayne State University's Department of Theatre
A Christmas Carol - Wayne State University's Department of Theatre
A Christmas Carol - Wayne State University's Department of Theatre
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The Lessons <strong>of</strong> A <strong>Christmas</strong> <strong>Carol</strong>Morality PlayMorality plays are a type <strong>of</strong> theatricalallegory in which the protagonist is met bypersonifications <strong>of</strong> various moral attributeswho try to prompt him to choose a Godly lifeover one <strong>of</strong> evil. The plays were most popularin Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries;having grown out <strong>of</strong> the religiously basedmystery plays or miracle plays <strong>of</strong> the MiddleAges, they represented a shift towards a moresecular base for European theater.The Ghost <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christmas</strong> PastOne <strong>of</strong> three spirits that haunted the miserEbenezer Scrooge in order to prompt him torepent. It showed him scenes from his youth,that occurred on or around <strong>Christmas</strong>, inorder to demonstrate to him the necessity <strong>of</strong>changing his ways.The Ghost <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christmas</strong> PresentOne <strong>of</strong> three spirits that haunted the miserEbenezer Scrooge, in order to prompt him to repent. It transported him around the city, showinghim scenes <strong>of</strong> festivity and also deprivation that were happening as they watched. Among thosethey visited were Scrooge’s nephew, and the family <strong>of</strong> his clerk, Bob Cratchit. Before leaving him,the spirit showed Scrooge the anthropomorphic spectres <strong>of</strong> Ignorance and Want, appearing as twostarving children.The Ghost <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christmas</strong> Yet To ComeOne <strong>of</strong> three spirits that haunts the miser Ebenezer Scrooge, in order to prompt him to adopt amore caring attitude in life and avoid the horrid afterlife <strong>of</strong> his business partner, Jacob Marley. It isthe most fearsome <strong>of</strong> the three ghosts. It showed him scenes from the future, including the lack <strong>of</strong>attention given to his funeral, the mourning <strong>of</strong> his clerk Bob Cratchit over the death <strong>of</strong> Tiny Tim,and finally his own grave. The Ghost <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christmas</strong> Yet To Come appeared to Scrooge as a figureentirely muffled in a black hooded robe, except for a single gaunt hand with which it pointed. Itnever spoke or made any sort <strong>of</strong> vocal noise. It may have been inspired by visual representations <strong>of</strong>the Grim Reaper.*Photo: Mr. Fezziwig’s Ball, by John Leech, 18435
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