Dickens uses the characters of the ghosts to ultimately cause terror and Scrooge's awareness of his need for redemption. The Ghost of Christmas past helped him to realise that life is meant to be joyful and happy and this can only be attained if scrooge is willing to change. An effect of the Ghost was to show scrooge the constant emptiness of his life and bring a sense of vitality back into it. By showing scrooge past memories, the ghost helps scrooge to confront the happier times he lost and also come to terms with the mistakes he had made: "Remember it cried scrooge I could walk it blindfolded" "I should have liked to give him something that's all". Scrooges exclamation of 'Remember it' shows that scrooge has a clear recollection of the place; emphasising the strength of the past. It also indicates that despite his hardened exterior, scrooge's past still holds emotional significance for hi. 'I could... blindfolded': this metaphor highlights how familiar these places are and the idea of walking blindfolded could symbolise scrooge's journey through life. Though he once knew his way, he has been metaphorically blinded by greed and his deliberate self-alienation from society. The effect of this is the Ghost has forced scrooge to confront his decisions. Scrooge's admission of 'I should have given him something' shows scrooge's realisation of his own stinginess. He acknowledges that he could have been more generous to his employee. The simple phrase 'that's all' carries a weight of guilt and regret. In the Victorian era, lower class workers would not be paid a decent wage and the poor were blamed for their situation, hence explaining scrooge's cold character. By the Ghost showing him scenes from the past, it rekindles a sense of empathy and also creates a stark contrast between scrooge in the past and present. Another impact of the ghost of Christmas past was the realisation of lost opportunities for love and happiness. The Ghost takes scrooge to a scene from his past where Belle breaks off her and scrooge's engagement as she believes his infatuation with wealth had driven a wedge between them: 'the passion had taken root... shadow of the growing tree would fall'. The phrase 'passion... root' indicates that scrooge's greed had deeply imbedded itself in his character. It may foreshadow that his obsession with wealth is not a desire but a fundamental part of who he has become. The metaphor of the 'shadow... fall' shows the negative consequences of scrooge's avarice. As his obsession with wealth grows, it casts a shadow over his life obscuring the light and joy that could have been a part of his life. Due to the ghost showing scrooge the pivotal moment he lost Belle, deep emotions and regret are showed making scrooge realise how his obsession with wealth has cost him personal happiness, love and more. The ghost of Christmas past plays a pivotal role in the transformation of scrooge. By revisiting his memories of lost love, missed opportunities for kindness and the warmth of his youthful experiences, scrooge recognises the bleakness of his current existence and the need for change. Scrooge's future transformation underscores the message of Dicken's novel: that to live a joyous life, you must change and embrace the spirit of kindness and humanity.