Chapter XX: Stave IV

What is told in this chapter? The visit of the
third spirit.

What was it? The "Ghost of Christmas Yet to
Come".

What does it show Scrooge? A vision of his
death--how he is plundered by laundress,
charwoman, and undertaker; the phantom of
Death; Scrooge's creditors; the grave.

Had these scenes actually taken place? No, but
they will be realized if Scrooge does not
change his manner of thinking and living.

What is the effect of these three visions?
Scrooge promises the "Ghost of Christmas Yet to
Come" "I will honour Christmas in my heart and
try to keep it all the year".

Why are the scenes in this chapter not so
pleasant as those that the two former spirits
had shown him? The scenes that the first spirit
had brought before him were his joys at the
Christmas season before he had hardened his
heart; those that the second spirit had shown
were scenes in the lives of people who do
something for others and enjoy themselves in
the true Christmas spirit; those that the last
spirit had shown were the sordid scenes which
would be sure to come if he did not change his
attitude toward life. The last scenes shown him
by the third spirit furnish a strong contrast
to the others.