Marley’s Ghost Flashcards
Expect the first to-morrow, when the bell tolls One
This establishes a timeline of events which adds a sense of structure to the chaotic supernatural happenings, informing both Scrooge and the reader what to expect, therefore increasing the reader’s anticipation as well as tension within the story
No rest, no peace. Incessant torture of remorse
Marley is describing purgatory which is a place where souls must complete their unfinished business before moving on, suggesting that preventing Scrooge from experiencing the same fate may be his unfinished business. The use of 2 short simple phrases in ‘no rest, no peace’ creates a sense of tension by increasing the pace of the story as well as mirroring the trapped and claustrophobic feelings Marley experiences in death. Dickens subverts the rule of 3 by only using 2 clauses, leaving the sentence feeling unfinished causing an uncomfortableness in the reader
I wear the chains I forged in life
This declaration has a double meaning as it is seen both physically and metaphorically. Marley was a clerk and his work involved objects like ‘deeds’ and ‘ledgers’ which now hang on his chain, showing that his suffering is a direct consequence of his actions in life. Figuratively, Marley is now held captive for eternity by the very things that helped him become rich in life
Long, and wound about him like a tail
The fact that Marley caused his own suffering, causes the reader to view him adversely and that is further emphasised by the animalistic imagery in the phrase ‘like a tail’ which dehumanises him and suggests that his sins are having visually detrimental effects on his humanity
Mankind was my business
Dickens emphasises the idea of social responsibility as Marley realises too late that he should have cared for ‘mankind’ more than his business and money
