Marley

Question 1

“Mankind was my business” and ‘I wear the chain I forged in life”
Marley’s remorse

Answer 1

• The noun ‘chain’ has connotations of something
  heavy therefore suggesting how Marley is physically carrying his burdens around
  with him. In addition, a chain also can also suggest imprisonment implying how
  Marley will never be free from his mistakes as there is no key to free him.
• the use of the verb ‘forged’ implies that Marley made the mistakes
  and he has to take responsibility for his choices and selfish decisions.

Question 2

‘Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business.

Answer 2

• The suffering Marley is facing is shown by Dickens to be a direct
  consequence of his behaviour towards people during his life.

Question 3

‘[Scrooge’s chain] was full as heavy and as long as this, seven Christmas Eves ago. You have laboured on it since. It is a ponderous chain.’

Answer 3

• they cannot fix their previous sins, so he must redeem himself in his lifetime.
• Dickens shows the terrifying consequences of avarice by showing how it can lead to isolation and alienation both in life and death.

Question 4

‘He tried to say ‘humbug’ but stopped at the first syllable.’

Answer 4

• Scrooge has already started to change, his journey to
  understanding that avarice is a sin has already begun.