A christmas carol - marley's ghost Flashcards
“I wear the chains I forged in life”
This declaration holds a double meaning as it is meant both literally and figuratively. Literally, in that Marley was the modern-day equivalent of an accountant or bookkeeper. This meant that his work involved writing “deeds” and “ledgers” and so he physically made these things in his life. The phrase is also meant figuratively as he is now held captive for eternity because of the way he acted in his life.
“No rest, no peace. Incessant torture of remorse”
The two short and simple sentences create a sense of tension by increasing the pace. In addition, it mirrors the trapped and claustrophobic feelings Marley is experiencing in purgatory. Furthermore, Dickens subverts the rule of three in the first sentence. By stopping after two clauses Dickens leaves the sentence feeling unfinished, causing the reader to feel uncomfortable. This may perhaps be to mirror Scrooge’s uncomfortable feelings towards the ghost, allowing the reader to empathise with his character.
“mankind was my business”
This phrase reflects Dickens’ ideas on social responsibility - the idea that we are all accountable to each other and that it is our duty to help one another. When the two Portly Gentlemen ask Scrooge for charity money in the opening stave, he replies that he will not donate because it is not his “business”. Here Dickens highlights the importance of being socially conscious, as Marley realises too late that he should have focussed on “mankind” rather than business and finance.
context
Marley’s Ghost can be seen as a physical representation of the Christian belief system of heaven and hell and the importance of repentance and redemption. He is shown by Dickens to be in purgatory, a state of limbo in between death and heaven where the souls of sinners go until they have repented their sins and can go to heaven.
