Final answer:
The ghost does not transform into a pile of soot in any of the excerpts; instead, the texts explore the impact of the supernatural and memories on individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ghost in question does not dwindle down into a pile of soot at the end of Stave IV.
The provided excerpts describe various ghostly or haunting encounters and memories, but they do not depict a ghost diminishing into soot. Instead, these texts use the supernatural or memories of past events to explore themes of regret, fear, and the haunting nature of the past. The writings use vivid imagery to convey the impact these apparitions or memories have on the living, illustrating how they grapple with the unseen and the remembered.
In literature, ghosts often serve as metaphors for unresolved issues or emotions that characters are unable to let go of. They are also used to create tension or express societal fears, rather than literally turning into physical substances like soot.