“The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain” is a novella by Charles Dickens, first published in 1848. It is the fifth and last of Dickens’s Christmas novellas, and like the others, it is a ghost story. The story takes place on Christmas Eve and explores themes of regret, redemption, and the consequences of forgetting the past.
The novella tells the story of Mr. Redlaw, a professor who is haunted by the memories of his past. One night, he is visited by a mysterious phantom who offers to erase his memories and free him from his pain. Redlaw accepts the offer, but soon realizes that forgetting his past has serious consequences. The story is an allegory that explores the dangers of forgetting the past and the importance of coming to terms with one’s mistakes.
Background of ‘The Haunted Man’
‘The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain‘ is a novella by Charles Dickens that was first published in 1848. It is the fifth and the last of Dickens’ Christmas novellas. The story was written during a time when Dickens was suffering from depression and exhaustion due to his workload. It was originally slated to appear in 1847 but was delayed because of Dickens’ exhaustion at maintaining the serialization of ‘Dombey and Son’ (1846-48).
The novella tells the story of Mr. Redlaw, a chemistry professor who is haunted by the memory of a painful event in his past. He is visited by a ghost who offers to remove all of his memories of the event, but in doing so, he also removes all of Redlaw’s ability to feel emotions. The story is an allegory for the danger of forgetting painful memories and the importance of embracing one’s emotions, even if they are painful.
‘The Haunted Man’ is often overshadowed by Dickens’ more famous Christmas novella, ‘A Christmas Carol.’ However, ‘The Haunted Man’ is an important work in its own right, as it deals with themes of memory, guilt, and redemption. It is also notable for its use of supernatural elements, which were a common feature in Dickens’ works.
Main Themes
Forgiveness and Memory
One of the main themes of “The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain” is forgiveness and memory. The story revolves around a chemist named Redlaw, who is haunted by the memories of his past wrongs. The ghost of his former self appears to him and offers to erase his memories. However, Redlaw soon realizes that his memories are a part of him and that he needs to forgive himself and others in order to move on.
The Double and Duality
Another important theme in the story is the concept of the double and duality. Redlaw’s double, who appears to him as a ghost, represents his darker side and the negative aspects of his personality. The story explores how individuals are capable of both good and evil, and how they must learn to balance these opposing forces within themselves.
Redemption and Regret
Finally, “The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain” also deals with the themes of redemption and regret. Redlaw is given the opportunity to erase his memories and start anew, but he soon realizes that this is not the solution to his problems. Instead, he must confront his past mistakes and seek redemption through forgiveness and self-improvement. The story ultimately teaches that it is never too late to make amends and that individuals can always strive for a better future.
Characters Overview
Redlaw and His Phantom
Redlaw is the protagonist of “The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain” and a professor of chemistry. He is haunted by a phantom who reminds him of his past mistakes and the pain they caused him. Redlaw is a complex character who struggles with guilt and the desire to forget his past. His phantom serves as a reminder of the importance of memory and the consequences of trying to escape one’s past.
The Swidgers
The Swidgers are a family who work in Redlaw’s laboratory. They are a comical and lighthearted addition to the story, providing a contrast to Redlaw’s serious and brooding personality. The Swidgers are a reminder of the importance of humor and levity in life, even in the face of tragedy.
Milly and William
Milly and William are siblings who are orphaned at a young age. They are taken in by Redlaw and become central characters in the story. Milly is a kind and selfless character who serves as a foil to Redlaw’s self-centeredness. William is a mischievous and playful child who serves as a reminder of the innocence and joy of childhood. Together, Milly and William represent the importance of family and the power of love to overcome even the darkest of circumstances.
Allegorical Elements
The Ghost’s Bargain
The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain is an allegory that explores the consequences of living in the past and the importance of forgiveness. The Ghost’s Bargain is the central allegorical element in the story. It represents the offer of a fresh start and the opportunity to release oneself from the burden of past mistakes. The Ghost’s Bargain is the catalyst for the story’s events and the means by which the protagonist, Redlaw, is able to overcome his inner demons.
Symbolism of the Haunting
The haunting in The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain represents the burdens of the past and the emotional weight that they place on individuals. The haunting is a metaphor for the emotional scars that we carry with us throughout our lives. The haunting is also symbolic of the negative effects of holding onto anger and resentment. Redlaw’s haunting is a physical manifestation of his emotional pain and his inability to move on from his past mistakes.
Narrative Structure
The narrative structure of “The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain” by Charles Dickens is a well-crafted allegory that follows a clear three-part structure. The first part introduces the main character, Mr. Redlaw, a chemistry professor who is haunted by memories of his past. The second part of the story presents the ghostly visitations that Mr. Redlaw experiences, which are meant to help him confront his past and overcome his regrets. Finally, in the third part of the story, Mr. Redlaw learns to let go of his past and embrace the present.
The story is told in a linear fashion, with each part building on the previous one to create a cohesive and compelling narrative. The use of ghosts as a narrative device adds an element of the supernatural to the story, which serves to heighten the sense of mystery and intrigue. The allegorical nature of the story is also reinforced by the use of symbolism, such as the mysterious phials of liquid that Mr. Redlaw uses in his chemistry experiments.
Literary Analysis
The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain is a Christmas story written by Charles Dickens in 1848. It is a tale of redemption and the consequences of selfishness. The story follows a chemistry professor named Redlaw who is haunted by the memory of a past tragedy. He is visited by a ghost who offers to take away his painful memories, but in exchange, Redlaw loses the ability to feel any emotion.
Throughout the story, Dickens employs various literary devices to convey his themes and messages. One prominent device is irony. For example, Redlaw, a man of science, is visited by a ghost, which is a supernatural entity that defies scientific explanation. Additionally, Redlaw’s desire to forget his past leads to him becoming a cold and emotionless person, which is the opposite of what he intended.
Another literary device used in the story is symbolism. The ghost that visits Redlaw represents his past and the memories that haunt him. Similarly, the characters of Milly and William represent the innocence and purity that Redlaw has lost.
Moreover, Dickens uses foreshadowing to create tension and suspense in the story. The appearance of the ghost and the bargain it offers to Redlaw foreshadows the consequences of his decision.
Cultural and Historical Context
The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain is a novella written by Charles Dickens and published in 1848. It is the last of the five Christmas books written by Dickens and is a lesser-known work in comparison to A Christmas Carol. The novella was written during a time when many people in England were struggling with poverty and social inequality. Dickens was known for his social commentary and his works often highlighted the harsh realities of life for the poor.
The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain is set in the Victorian era and reflects the cultural and historical context of the time. The Victorian era was a time of great change in England, marked by industrialization, urbanization, and social reform. The novella explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of one’s actions. It also touches on the idea of the supernatural and the role of ghosts in Victorian literature.
During the Victorian era, there was a fascination with the supernatural and the paranormal. This was reflected in literature, with many authors incorporating ghosts and other supernatural elements into their works. Dickens was no exception, and The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain is an example of his use of the supernatural in his writing. The novella also reflects the Victorian fascination with spiritualism, which was a popular movement at the time.
Reception and Criticism
The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain was the last of Charles Dickens’s Christmas books, and it received mixed reviews upon its publication. While some critics praised the story’s allegorical elements and its exploration of the human psyche, others found it to be a weak and unconvincing addition to Dickens’s body of work.
Despite its lukewarm reception, The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain has since been recognized as an important work in Dickens’s oeuvre. Its themes of redemption and forgiveness, as well as its exploration of the power of memory and the dangers of isolation, continue to resonate with readers today.
One notable aspect of the story that has garnered attention from critics is its use of allegory. The ghostly figure that haunts the protagonist, Professor Redlaw, is widely interpreted as a metaphor for the burden of guilt and regret. The story’s central message, that one must confront and overcome their past in order to move forward, is conveyed through this allegorical figure.
Despite its allegorical richness, some critics have argued that The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain suffers from a lack of narrative coherence. The story’s episodic structure and its reliance on coincidence and contrivance have been criticized as weaknesses in the overall narrative.
Modern Relevance
The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain, despite being written over a century ago, still holds relevance in modern times. The story’s themes of regret, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions are timeless and universal.
In today’s society, where people are often consumed by the pursuit of material wealth and success, the story serves as a reminder that these things are not the key to happiness. The protagonist’s journey towards self-discovery and the realization that true happiness lies in helping others is a message that still resonates with readers today.
Furthermore, the story’s exploration of the human psyche and the effects of trauma on the mind is still relevant in modern times. Mental health is an increasingly important issue, and the story’s portrayal of the protagonist’s struggle with his past traumas and the eventual healing process is a reminder that seeking help and support is crucial in overcoming such difficulties.