Question

What effect for Scrooge's repeated questions achieve?

Answer 1

Scrooge is not a man who usually asks questions. He is used to being in control, sure of his opinions and his wealth. But the spirits intervene in order to change his heart completely. In order to do that, Scrooge must learn humility, looking closely at himself in order to realize he is a seriously flawed man with skewed values.

Scrooge's journey begins with questions as he tries to understand what the spirits want from him. He asks Marley, "Dreadful apparition, why do you trouble me?'' As each spirit appears, he begins by asking it questions to understand what to expect from each journey.  

But as the story progresses, his questions become more personal. Emotion takes over and he starts repeating questions in order to learn about himself. As he faces the reality of his death and the fact no one will miss him, Scrooge knows that his life must change. 

His questioning shows both his nervousness and his growing awareness of how much of his life he has wasted. He asks the silent Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come several questions, all of which he must answer for himself. Finally he asks a life changing question: "Are these the shadows of the things that Will be, or are they shadows of things that May be, only?''

Through his questions, Scrooge gains the self-awareness and humility to turn himself into a new man.