The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain (hosted by Petra)

[Petra]

Tetterby Taking Down the Shutters by Charles Green, 1895

[Petra]

Johnny Tetterby Rises Against the Baby by Charles Green, 1895

[Peter]

Such a wonderful illustration. Leech has portrayed what a news vender’s shop looked like. I’m being a bit romantic here, perhaps, but it was from shops like this one that the parts of Dickens’s novels as well as ´Household Words’ and ´All the Year Round’ would have been distributed.

[Shirley (stampartiste)]

Petra, I really enjoy all of these illustrations you provide us with. I don't remember Leech's work before, but I'm really enjoying his artistry.

I just feel so bad for the Tetterby family who has been so adversely affected by this communicable "gift". I thought they would be back to normal after Redlaw left, but I guess they're now all infected.

I know this is not what Dickens was referring to in this story, but it made me think of the interactions in our own society. With the advent of social media and the ability to post negative comments anonymously, it is so easy for discontent and misery to spread quickly around the world. It's amazing that in his time when communications were basically local, Dickens extended the repercussions of this "gift" to global proportions.

[Petra]

Peter and Shirley, I'm so glad the illustrations are being enjoyed as much as I enjoy them when I find them. They are really wonderfully done; all of them.

I have a few illustrations saved that I found after the appropriate section of the book that I'll post at the end of this read. That should be a fun way to end this read.

(I'll be sad to have this story end. I'm truly enjoying the time together with you all)

[Petra]

Shirley, I'm not an expert on Dickens by any means. However, it seems to me that he was way ahead of his time in terms of understanding human psychology, mannerisms, inner thoughts/workings, etc. He seemed to have an internal sense of how humans think and function and react. He must have been an incredibly interesting person to know.
Wouldn't it be nice for all of us to sit around a dinner table with him? What an evening that would be!

[Sara]

I would love to be at that table, Petra. I agree that Dickens was far ahead of his time in so many aspects. He had exactly the right mix of hard and easy in his life, lots of travel and exposure to different kinds of people (which, I think, reinforces how basically the same we all are) and he was not afraid to go out into the worse parts of the world and get "dirty".

[Petra]

Summary 4 - The Gift Reversed

Mrs. Tetterby saw this and pulled Johnny into the parlour and berated him for it. Johnny said he’d rather go join the army than take care of the baby. At that moment, Mr. Tetterby enters the room.

Mrs. Tetterby turns to him and says she, too, would prefer to join the army. She has no peace, no time to herself, from year’s end to year’s end. She shakes the baby with irritability, places it in its cradle, then starts rocking it with her foot.

Mr. Tetterby did nothing. He said he didn’t care to do anything about the situation.

Johnny and his brothers were fighting over the loaf of bread. Mr & Mrs Tetterby, with no softness in manner, stepped in and stopped the fighting.

She tells Mr. Tetterby to read the newspaper; read the suicides, births, deaths. None of this is of interest to Mr. Tetterby, unless it brought him some good. As for marriages, his thoughts say that he’s tried that once and had quite enough of it. They continue to bicker until Mrs. Tetterby says that her marriage was a sacrifice, and Mr. Tetterby says he feels the same way. They both say they wish the sacrifice hadn’t occurred.

[Petra]

Mrs. Tetterby and the Baby by Charles Green, 1895 & 1912

[Sara]

This is as sad as the scene with George. How horrible to see this loving family, that cared more for one another than for self, deteriorate. In taking away memory of wrong and sorrow, all joy has been lost and all love has been lost. I cannot help reflecting on how kind Mr. Tetterby was when his wife first felt the effects of Redlaw's "gift". So stark a difference now, as he wishes to never have married her.

[Kathleen]

I agree--what a contrast between the two scenes of this family. I have to think about the angel and devil on each shoulder idea. Most of us are often on the brink, and can so easily be pushed one way or the other, more easily to the devil side probably.

Charles Green captures a lot in Mrs. Tetterby's face in that illustration, doesn't he! It looks weary and confused.

[Petra]

This scene is heartbreaking. The loving Tetterbys, who enjoyed being together, can't be together anymore.

I keep wondering how things went or are going with George. As Sara says, these two scenes (George and Tetterbys) are the most saddest we've encountered.

[Petra]

Kathleen, I find the illustration also captures the new distance between the Tetterbys. The baby was always carried before, with love and affection. She now lies in her basket, untouched, with distance between her and her mother (and other family members). Charles Green has caught the parting of the family well.

[Shirley (stampartiste)]

I quite agree with everyone about the tragedy of seeing the dissolution of the Tetterby family. I was appalled when little Johnny viciously slapped his little sister. He had loved and protected her so much until now. And now, she was nothing but a bother to him.

On reading this latest installment, I couldn't help but think what a philosopher Dickens really was, but in the "illustrative philosopher" sense. He doesn't lecture his readers about good and evil; he illustrates it through his characters. And here, we see what people would be like if their hearts were ruled by indifference rather than by love. I'm so ready for him to put things to right. And I hope it's not too late to save George and Redlaw's old friend. This story has really turned into a heartbreaking one!

[Bridget]

I agree, Shirley, it is truly heartbreaking.

The Charles Green illustration made me think, the current situation is not bad for everyone. Looking at the baby in the cradle, makes me realize that poor Johnny isn't carrying her around anymore. That's a good thing, right? I mean, I don't want him hitting her, but the poor kid does have too much burden, i think.

[Petra]

Shirley (stampartiste) wrote: "And here, we see what people would be like if their hearts were ruled by indifference rather than by love. I'm so ready for him to put things to right. And I hope it's not too late to save George and Redlaw's old friend. This story has really turned into a heartbreaking one!.."

Well said, Shirley.
It's Love that brings out the best in us.
I also hope that George and Redlaw's friend are saved and helped somehow.

[Petra]

Bridget wrote: "Looking at the baby in the cradle, makes me realize that poor Johnny isn't carrying her around anymore. That's a good thing, right?..."

LOL.....silver linings, Bridgit, ......silver linings!

[Petra]

Summary 5 - The Gift Reversed

In this state of mind, they sat down to breakfast. After a loud, quarrelsome meal, the boys were driven out the door. Both Mr & Mrs Tetterby raised their cups to their lips and then both stopped.

Johnny had run back into the room to announce that Mrs. William was coming down the street. He then went to the baby and lovingly picked her up, soothed & hushed her cheerfully and both went out the door.

Mr. & Mrs. Tetterby put down their cups. Both rubbed their foreheads. Both their faces began to brighten and smooth out. Both ask for forgiveness and declare their love of each other and for their many children. Together they were home, the purest and best place to be.

Then Mrs. William enters the room, with all the children with her. The children kissed her, each other, the baby, then their parents. They then ran back to Mrs. William and danced around her.

Mr & Mrs Tetterby also went to Milly and hugged her, kissed her hands. She was a spirit of affection and goodness.

[Petra]

Milly and the Children by Frank Stone, 1848

[Petra]

The Tetterbys Come To Themselves by Charles Green, 1895

[Shirley (stampartiste)]

Bridget wrote: Looking at the baby in the cradle, makes me realize that poor Johnny isn't carrying her around anymore. That's a good thing, right? I mean, I don't want him hitting her, but the poor kid does have too much burden, i think...."

I thought the same thing, Bridget! 😁. At least, long-suffering little Johnny gets a break. I bet Dickens threw that in there because he knew his readers would be thinking the same thing - sort of comic relief. LOL

[Bridget]

Petra, I love the illustration by Frank Stone, who is a new artist to me. That must have been one of the original illustrations. I love how gentle Ms. Williams looks.

Looks like the presence of Ms. Williams is going to set things right again. I liked how Mr. Tetterby just had to share his dark thoughts so he could be forgiven. And how Mrs. Tetterby felt less shame on hearing them, because she had the same thoughts. That was a nice way to bring the reconciliation about.

[Sara]

What a joy, even after wishing that Johnny didn't have to carry his sister about all the time, to see him rush in and scoop her up and take her outside. I love the effect that "the spirit of affection and goodness" has on everyone. A gentle reminder that each of us can spread discontent (as Redlaw does) or kindness and cheerfulness (as Milly does); it is really our choice.

[Petra]

I loved this section. The scene when Johnny rushes in with joy to pick up his sister and hold her again was a favorite of mine.

It's Christmas Day in the story. This page-turner of a story is taking place over one day, starting Christmas Eve day and now Christmas Day. The tranformation of one's life can occur over such a short period of time.

I wonder what brought on Milly's ability to make these changes. She's been in the company of the Tetterby's since their transformation and they didn't change back then. Christmas Eve brought about a change. The magic of Christmas.

[Petra]

Bridget wrote: "Petra, I love the illustration by Frank Stone, who is a new artist to me. That must have been one of the original illustrations. I love how gentle Ms. Williams looks. ..."

Bridgit, it's wonderful to hear that the illustrations are bringing so much added enjoyment to this read. I find them a wonderful illumination of these artists' interpretations.
I'm glad we found a new illustrator. Stone adds a softness to this scene with his drawing.

[Petra]

Sara wrote: "What a joy, even after wishing that Johnny didn't have to carry his sister about all the time, to see him rush in and scoop her up and take her outside. I love the effect that "the spirit of affect..."

I always thought it was sad that the baby was left alone in her basket without her family holding her tight. I'm glad that Johnny has picked her up again.

[Shirley (stampartiste)]

Sara wrote: "A gentle reminder that each of us can spread discontent (as Redlaw does) or kindness and cheerfulness (as Milly does); it is really our choice..."

I love your reminder, Sara! Thank you!

Petra, I didn't realize that this story only takes places over one day. It is so similar to A Christmas Carol!

[Petra]

Shirley, there are quite a few similarities between this story and A Christmas Carol, and yet the stories are very different, too. It gives a feeling of familiarity with tension that makes the story very unique.

[Petra]

Summary 6 - The Gift Reversed

Milly is moved to tears at this show of affection. This morning has been a special Christmas morning for her. Redlaw had come to her at sunrise, with the tenderness of a father, asking her to accompany him to see George. He seemed to have so much hope and trust in Milly that she was determined to do her very best for George.

When she arrived at the house, a bruised woman took her hand and blessed her. When she arrived in George’s room, he sat up, burst into tears, lamenting his mis-spent life and repented. He asked her to plead with his father to forgive him and give him his blessing. Also, could she say a prayer for him (George)? She did so and Redlaw joined in fervently. It brought tears and joy to Milly.

George asked Milly to sit by him, which she did. He quietly held her hand and dozed off. When she went to remove her hand, he clutched for it again. She had to get someone else to hold his hand so that he believed that she was still doing so. Redlaw was insistent that the two of them go to the Tetterbys next.

Redlaw entered the room, looked about the space quietly, then started up the stairs. The student came down, passing Redlaw and ran to Milly, begging her to forgive his behavior the night before. Milly wept with happiness.

He asked her to please finish sewing the curtains but Milly says no. There’s someone else he would rather have finish the sewing for him. Someone was waiting for him in Milly’s home; a young lady from his home.

[Kathleen]

More comparisons to A Christmas Carol that Shirley mentioned. It feels like Milly herself is an instrument like the torch The Spirit of Christmas Present uses to sprinkle water on folks and improve their mood. And Milly, with her humility and surprise, is the perfect instrument.

This is really a lovely idea for Dickens to expound on, that lovingkindness can be spread like this.

[Greg]

I'm so relieved to see the Tetterbys, Mr. Edmund, and George all behaving normally again!

But I'm a little confused as to how this matches with what the phantom told Mr. Redlaw, that Milly did not have the power to reverse what he had done. I imagine that this aspect will become clearer later? I'm also curious who this young woman is that Mr. Edmund is going to go to see. - maybe we're supposed to know who it is, but if so I am forgetting. I suppose that will become clearer shortly too.

[Shirley (stampartiste)]

I, too, wonder who this young woman is who has come to see Mr. Edmund. Isn't that just like Dickens to introduce a new pivotal character at the 11th hour?

Again a reference to A Christmas Carol, but I sense in Redlaw the joy of a new beginning on Christmas morning, similar to Scrooge's when he runs to the window and realizes he didn't miss Christmas, and he can start over again! This brought tears to my eyes!

[Petra]

Kathleen wrote: "More comparisons to A Christmas Carol that Shirley mentioned. It feels like Milly herself is an instrument like the torch The Spirit of Christmas Present uses to sprinkle water on folks and improve their mood. And Milly, with her humility and surprise, is the perfect instrument....."

Greg wrote: "But I'm a little confused as to how this matches with what the phantom told Mr. Redlaw, that Milly did not have the power to reverse what he had done. ..."

It is enchanting to watch Milly transform everyone back.....but, like Greg, I'm confused about how she's doing it after the phantom said it wasn't possible. I'm certain Dickens will clear things up for us, though. There's a magic in Christmas morning.......perhaps the phantom forgot, or didn't know, about that?

[Petra]

Shirley (stampartiste) wrote: "Again a reference to A Christmas Carol, but I sense in Redlaw the joy of a new beginning on Christmas morning, similar to Scrooge's when he runs to the window and realizes he didn't miss Christmas, and he can start over again! This brought tears to my eyes..."

It is wonderful to see this happening to Redlaw, Shirley. He's not thinking about himself and his situation, but of others and their happiness & peace.

[Peter]

Kathleen wrote: "More comparisons to A Christmas Carol that Shirley mentioned. It feels like Milly herself is an instrument like the torch The Spirit of Christmas Present uses to sprinkle water on folks and improve..."

Like Petra I find your comments of Millie and the torch of Christmas Present to be very interesting. There are many overlaps found among the five Christmas stories. The Dickens magic is how he presents fresh ideas and ways to discover the same essential facts that make us human.

Millie has so much goodness that she surprises herself. A joy in my reading is her humility.

[Chris]

I have not been able to keep up and comment after each summary, but I echo everyone's enjoyment of all the illustrations and each artist interprets the story. And I am loving this story!

I also am SO reminded of A Christmas Carol, despite the many differences on how the message of good vs. evil or indifference is portrayed. The duality of human nature to be sure. We can choose to be kind or choose to turn away at the minimum, inflicting harm at our worst.

It was hard to read the sections when the Swidgers & Tetterbys were so adversely affected by the Redlaw's "gift". And a relief to see the gift reversed, and apparently by the light of Milly despite what the Phantom said that the damage could not be undone.

I found the paragraph in which the Phantom explains the symbolism of the wild boy so profound and once again highlights Dickens interest in social justice and insight into human behavior and its consequences.

[Sara]

Maybe a stretch but... I was not viewing the phantom as a force for evil, more as a teacher..."I'll give you what you want so you can see God's plan is better." Now, I am wondering if Milly is good and the phantom is evil, and try as he will, he cannot stop her influence from winning out over his.

[Sam]

Petra wrote: "It is enchanting to watch Milly transform everyone back.....but, like Greg, I'm confused about how she's doing it after the phantom said it wasn't possible. I'm certain Dickens will clear things up for us, though. ."

I hope everyone continues this the conversation on the topic. My library book became due and I was forced to finish it early so I'm withholding my comments but I am also trying to figure out how Dickens was interpreting this process.

[Petra]

Peter wrote: "There are many overlaps found among the five Christmas stories. The Dickens magic is how he presents fresh ideas and ways to discover the same essential facts that make us human. ..."

Agreed, Peter. I've been noticing elements of the other stories throughout this one. It's a real feat that Dickens came up with yet another wonderfu Holiday story with the same themes and concerns, and the story still is fresh and entertaining.

[Petra]

Chris wrote: "I found the paragraph in which the Phantom explains the symbolism of the wild boy so profound and once again highlights Dickens interest in social justice and insight into human behavior and its consequences...."

Chris, I find the poor boy's story tragic. The poor child hasn't had one good day in his short life. Yet, he shows that he's a kind child underneath the fear and hunger. The illustrations show a more kindly child than a mean child.

[Petra]

Sara wrote: "Maybe a stretch but... I was not viewing the phantom as a force for evil, more as a teacher..."I'll give you what you want so you can see God's plan is better." Now, I am wondering if Milly is good..."

Sara, I think I still see the phantom as a sort of Gude. I'm not clear on how the gift is being reversed yet, but feel that somehow, the reversal lies with Redlaw and Milly, not the phantom.

Dickens likes redemption. People are good but they can become hard through Life's difficult & hurtful experiences.....but there's always the chance that they can be redeemed and let that hardness go, despite the hardships that Life throws at them.

[Petra]

Sam wrote: "I hope everyone continues this the conversation on the topic. My library book became due and I was forced to finish it early so I'm withholding my comments but I am also trying to figure out how Dickens was interpreting this process.
.."

Sam, I hope you'll continue with the discussion until the end. I do hope that this topic comes up again. I look forward to your thoughts on it (and the entire story).

[Petra]

Summary 7 - The Gift Reversed

Edmund pressed her hand and went to rush off but she stopped him. She asked him to treat Redmond with consideration. Edmund does so on the way out, bowing with respect to Redlaw as he left. Redlaw returned the bow humbly and watched him as he left. He then dropped his head and tried to awaken something but he failed. He felt keenly what he’d lost. He could contrast the difference between his lack of feelings and the feelings of those around him. This contrast awoke an interest in those around him and he sensed his loss.

He realized that the longer he was in Milly’s company, watching her reverse the damage he’d caused, the realization within him increased. He felt quite dependent on her as if she was his staff.

She asked him if he was ready to go home, where her husband and father-in-law were, and he replied yes. He was nervous about this, so put his arm through hers, as if she were the one leading the pair and he was merely following.

He saw the happy children bustling about him, observed the affectionate parents, he breathed in the air of contentment and tranquility. He thought of the harm and discord he might be spreading if not for Milly. He drew closer to her.

[Petra]

What I enjoyed about this section is that Redlaw has become very introspective and observant. He's realizing that people are happier with their whole lives, sorrows or joys; that it's the entirety of the Life experience that brings happiness and joy to our lives.
While he has accepted his fate for himself, he's grateful that others are spared this very same fate.

[Petra]

Summary 8 - The Gift Reversed

At the lodge, the old man was on one side of the fireplace, staring at the floor: while William at the other side, staring at the man. When Milly entered, they looked at her and their faces lit up radiantly. They both wanted to wrap their arms around her and hold her tight.

Both men state that they’ve been in ugly dreams. They both showed interest in the health of the other, shook hands and hugged. William said that for all the sorrows, wrongs and troubles his father has been through and all the changes that he’s seen, he’s to be honored and loved.

Philip saw Redlaw and recalled how, as a student, Redlaw worked so hard at his studies, even during the Christmas Holidays. It was after Redlaw was finished studying that his wife had died. She was a wonderful lady. He recollected how one year, Redlaw had brought his sister to visit them. Philip’s wife brought her to warm at the fire and Philip was stirring the flames. The sister read the words under the great man’s picture “Lord, keep my memory green!”. She and the wife ruminated that should they ever die young these words could suit them, “Lord, keep my memory green and do not let me be forgotten!”.

Redlaw shed burning, painful tears, that coursed down his face. Philip continued his story, not noticing the tears or Milly’s attempt to stop him.

Redlaw puts his hand on Philip’s arm and laments that he has lost the memory to recall events of sorrow, wrong and trouble. Redlaw saw the look of pity in the old man’s eyes and the sense of bereavement and knew that memory and recollections were cherished by the aged. He sat down in the man’s chair.

The boy came running in to say that there was a man in the other room. Milly indicated that William and Philip should leave, which they did. Unnoticed, Redlaw called the boy to him but the boy clung on to Milly’s skirts. With some coaxing, Milly convinced the boy to go to Redlaw and sit at his feet.

Redlaw, with a look of compassion, put his hand on the boys shoulder and held his other hand out to Milly. She got down low so that she could look into his face and requested to speak and ask him a question. Redlaw consents.

[Petra]

Milly Puts Everything Right Again by Charles Green, 1895

[Petra]

What A Wonderful Man You Are, Father by Fred Barnard, 1878

[Petra]

Redlaw with his Sister on Christmas Morning by Charles Green, 1895

[Peter]

Petra wrote: "Summary 8 - The Gift Reversed

At the lodge, the old man was on one side of the fireplace, staring at the floor: while William at the other side, staring at the man. When Milly entered, they looked..."

Hi Petra

You note something that is very important in this story, and indeed, throughout Dickens, and that is the use and placement of a person’s hands on other people, objects, or even how a person’s hands touch or comfort themselves.

As an extension to this observation is the way Dickens’s illustrators picked up on this point and incorporated a person’s hands into their pictures.

[Greg]

I'm enjoying experiencing the redemption of these good people, but I still felt confused about how Milly was doing it. Since it was bothering me, I went back to look at the actual words the phantom said:

"“At least, say this—has she, henceforth, the consciousness of any power to set right what I have done?”

“She has not,” the Phantom answered.

“Has she the power bestowed on her without the consciousness?”

The phantom answered: “Seek her out.”

So, I guess I had misunderstood. The phantom didn't say that Milly had no power to set things right, just that she wasn't aware of having that power. Then, when Redlaw asks if she can set things right without being aware of any power to do so on her part, the phantom doesn't answer. The phantom never says that she doesn't have the power to fix things unconsciously. So I guess that must be what is happening. Milly is not even aware of her power to rectify things, but her simple goodness is setting things right nevertheless.

I wonder why the phantom wouldn't tell Redlaw that though. Maybe he wanted Redlaw to act on faith without having it all explained to him?