'A Christmas Carol': from dark to light

Dickens uses the motif of light and dark throughout the novella to symbolise hope and faith. The cold and dark repeatedly associated with Scrooge at the start shows that he needs to change. The darkness could reflect Scrooge’s immorality, loss of childhood innocence, or loss of faith. The spirits enlighten Scrooge as to the error of his ways and guide him towards a more moral future. Arguably, the spirits guide Scrooge into the light (the light of God and Christianity).