Marley's Ghost Character Analysis

Question 1

Significance of Marley’s Ghost

Answer 1

Although Marley’s Ghost only appears in the first stave, he is significant to the whole novella.
Dickens creates him as a harbinger to Scrooge, not only of the three spirits, but also of the fate that awaits Scrooge should he refuse to reform.
As well as being the first character who appears, he also occupies the first line of the novella.
*Harbinger - A person who gives a warning (foreshadowing)

Question 2

What does the chain worn by Marley’s ghost symbolise?

Answer 2

His avarice in life and the weight of guilt he now carries in the afterlife. The chain also serves as a symbol of free will; the reader is reminded that charity and humanity is a choice.

Question 3

Effect of Marley’s Ghost on Scrooge

Answer 3

The arrival of Marley’s Ghost is a significant turning point for Scrooge, for it is at the point that his journey begins. Immediately prior to the description of Marley on the knocker, Dickens describes the entrance to Scrooge’s home as the threshold’ - invoking an understanding that Scrooge is crossing over into a new era.

Question 4

Quotations to show Scrooge’s fear of Marley and attempt to intimidate Marley

Answer 4

The truth is that he [Scrooge] tried to be smart…for the spectre’s voice disturbed the very marrow in his bones. (S1)
There was something very awful, too, in the spectre’s being provided with an infernal atmosphere of its own. (S1)

Question 5

Quotations to show Marley’s warning to Scrooge (to convince him to change his ways)

Answer 5

‘I wear the chain I forged in life. I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it.’ (S1)
‘No rest, no peace. Incessant torture of remorse.’ (S1)
‘Oh! Captive, bound, and double ironed.’ (S1)

Question 6

Quotations to show Marley’s regret for the greedy life he lived

Answer 6

‘Not to know that no space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused! Yet such was I. Oh. Such was I!’ (S1)
‘Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. (S1)
‘The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business.’ (S1)
‘At this time of the rolling year, I suffer most. (S1)