Jacob Marley

• Marley's ghost has come to warn Scrooge

  1. Marley's main role in the novella is to warn Scrooge about what will happen after he dies - unless he changes

  2. Marley and Scrooge have similar personalities - they're "two kindred spirits", who are obsessed with money and don't care about other people. They're so similar that Scrooge lives in Marley's old rooms and even answers to Marley's name - "it was all the same to him". These similarities emphasises Marley's role as a warning figure

  3. Marley's punishment is the consequence of a self-centred, "misused" life. Dickens has already shown Scrooge behaving similarly - so Marley's fate illustrates what will happen to Scrooge if he doesn't change
• What effect do Marley's "death-cold eyes" have on Scrooge?

  They create a chilling influence.
• What does Marley's terrifying appearance signify?

  It reflects the frightening nature of his message.
• How does Marley’s appearance contribute to the story's themes?

  It emphasizes the importance of his warning.
• What kind of atmosphere does Marley give off?

  An "infernal" (hellish) atmosphere.
• What do Marley's agitated clothes suggest?

  They link him to ideas of Hell and suffering.
• What is the chain Marley wears made of?

  Money-related objects.
• Why is the chain particularly disturbing for Scrooge?

  Marley tells him he bears a larger chain.
• How does Marley describe his state of being?

  He feels exhausted and cannot rest.
• What does Marley mean by "I am here tonight to warn you"?

  He is direct about his purpose.
• What are the key characteristics of Marley's ghostly appearance?

  • Disturbing and chilling influence
  • Death-cold eyes
  • Lower jaw dropped down
  • Agitated clothes linked to Hell
  • Chain made of money-related objects
• What themes are reflected in Marley's character and appearance?

  • The consequences of greed
  • The importance of heeding warnings
  • The connection between wealth and suffering
• Marley tries to help Scrooge

  1. Marley regrets that he didn't change his ways whilst he was alive - it's too late for him to avoid suffering. All he can do is offer Scrooge the chance to escape the same fate. Theme - Redemption - Scrooge is lucky - Marley implies that most people are already doomed to their fates, but Scrooge will get one last chance at redemption

  2. He has stood invisibly at Scrooge's shoulder for "many a day" in the past. He acts as a kind of hellish guardian angel to Scrooge

  3. Marley says that his presence now is "a chance and hope" of his own "procuring". This suggests that he's tried (and succeeded) to find a way to help Scrooge and give him a chance to save himself

  4. Marley is acting selflessly - he's helping a friend, even though he has no hope of redemption himself