After seeing scenes from his childhood in A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge has the following conversation with the Spirit of Christmas Past: "I wish," Scrooge muttered, putting his hand in his pocket, and looking about him, after drying his eyes with his cuff: "but it's too late now."
"What is the matter?" asked the Spirit.
"Nothing," said Scrooge. "Nothing. There was a boy singing a Christmas Carol at my door last night. I should like to have given him something that's all."
The Ghost smiled thoughtfully, and waved its hand: saying as it did so, "Let us see another Christmas!"
worked
Diens, Oures A Carol London, 1803
How has the flashback affected the story?
It has reinforced Scrooge's characteristics. Seeing his own past strengthens his feelings of grief and bitterness.
It has changed the direction readers expected the plot to follow. The miserly Scrooge has developed empathy after being reminded of his own painful past.
It has changed the actions of the Spirit. He sees that his mission has failed.
It has not influenced the story. Scrooge is unaffected by the scenes from his past.