Summary
Summary Jacob Marley Analysis
Here is some interesting ideas about the portrayal of Jacob Marley as a character in A Christmas Carol
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1) How does the opening description of Jacob Marley introduce a supernatural theme and createanticipation?
From the opening line of the novella Dickens establishes Marley as dead this comes as a shock to the
reader promises a supernatural treat and create anticipation more importantly, they introduce the
idea of time being turned upside down. A Christmas Carol is a story of time travel. Dickens cleverly
manages this with Marley’s visit in which he explains there will be 3 more spirits that visit Scrooge.
Marley’s visit makes the upcoming structure clearer cut to the reader.
2) What is the significance of the fact that Marley’s Ghost wears a chain made of ‘cash-boxes, keys,
padlocks, ledgers, deeds, and heavy purses’?
Dickens uses listing when depicting Marley as a Ghost; all these items are related to money and
business and symbolise his greed during his life. Marley’s appearance serves as a warning to Scrooge
that he too could be punished for his greed and lack of social responsibility.
3) Which quotation hints at religious reasons for Marley’s torment?
Dickens hints at religious reasons for Marley’s torment when he says: ‘I wear the chain I forged in
life’. The former money lender is suffering in the afterlife sue to his money grabbing and greedy
nature whilst he was alive. In this quotation dickens highlights the Catholic belief in purgatory a
place where the evil souls of the dead endure suffering before they are purified and go to heaven.
4) Dickens describes Scrooge as Marley’s ‘sole friend’, highlighting how lonely they were in pursuit of
money. He was also, sadly, the ‘sole mourner’ at Marley’s funeral. What is suggested by the
repetition of the adjective ‘sole’?
Dickens suggests that Scrooge was Marley’s sole friend showing how lonely they were and greedy in
the pursuit of money. Scrooge is also depicted as Marley’s sole mourner at Marley’s funeral. The
repetition of the adjective sole emphasises the solitary nature of their work and how scrooge and
Marley were only concerned by their own profit not with their relationship with others.
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