Question

Which of the following details concerning the Ghosts of Christmas Past do not exhibit paradox:

a. It is said to look "like a child" yet also "like an old man"
b. It carries a horn of plenty as a torch yet shows Scrooge scenes of poverty.
c. It hair appears "white with age," yet the skin has "not a wrinkle on it."
d. It holds a branch of holly yet wears a tunic trimmed with lowers.

Answer 1

The detail from the Ghosts of Christmas Past that does not show a paradox is 'It holds a branch of holly yet wears a tunic trimmed with flowers' because both are plant-related and do not contradict each other.

Step-by-step explanation:

The detail concerning the Ghosts of Christmas Past that does not exhibit a paradox is choice d: It holds a branch of holly yet wears a tunic trimmed with flowers.

The detail from the Ghosts of Christmas Past that does not show a paradox is 'It holds a branch of holly yet wears a tunic trimmed with flowers' because both are plant-related and do not contradict each other.

Both holly and flowers are plants, so there is no inherent contradiction in carrying one while wearing the other. However, each of the other options contains a paradox. Option a depicts a paradox by describing the ghost as appearing both young and old.

Option b shows a paradox by having a symbol of abundance (the horn of plenty) juxtaposed with scenes of poverty. Option c presents a paradox in describing the ghost's hair as white with age, indicating old age, but having skin that has not a wrinkle on it, suggesting youth.