top of page

MARLEY'S GHOST

Marley is Scrooge's old business partner in the money lending business. Marley and Scrooge were so alike that those visiting the business apparently would not know one from the other.  Marley died 7 years ago on the day his ghost visits Scrooge.

Marley's Ghost enters covered in a chain. This chain represents the the sins he committed in life. Attached to it are all items linked to money showing us greed was his sin. He is now destined to wander the earth in torment for ever and warns Scrooge that this will be his afterlife too. Whilst Scrooge first makes jokes in disbelief at his appearance, Marley's Ghost has a powerful and at times frightening presence that soon makes him listen. 

PIVOTAL MOMENTS

  • His introduction and explanation to Scrooge of the punishment he now faces in eternity

  • Leaving Scrooge and joining the many other ghosts outside showing us that Marley was just but one person of many who suffer this fate.

PURPOSE

Marley's Ghost is the voice that makes all the warnings Scrooge receives personal. He lived exactly the same life as Scrooge and did not redeem himself. This shows Scrooge the consequences of his actions not in this life, but in the one beyond.

Marley's Ghost is perhaps a warning to the reader that even if we avoid responsibility for our actions in this life, we will be judged in the afterlife.

STRETCH VOCAB

Intimidating

Harrowing

Arresting

Fearsome

Contumelious

Admonitory

Obloquious

Contrite

Penitent

Foreboding

Key Quotation Analysis

Mankind was my business
03:15
Chain I forged in life
03:35
bottom of page