'A Christmas Carol': the entrances and exits of the four ghosts

Each of the ghosts’ entrances is symbolic of the stage Scrooge is at in his transformation. The earlier ghosts (Marley’s Ghost and The Ghost of Christmas Past) have to enter Scrooge’s world forcefully. The earlier ghosts' forced entrances are necessary because Scrooge wouldn’t help himself - he needs this intervention. The later ghosts are sought out by Scrooge, which shows his newfound willingness to learn and be introspective. The ghosts’ exits are also very significant - they reflect the purposes and the characters of the ghosts.