Marley's Ghost Flashcards
“I wear chains i forged in life”
Declaration holds a double meaning as it meant both literally and figuratively.
Literally - His work involved writing “deeds” and “ledgers” and so he physically made these things in his life.
Figuratively - Now held captive for eternity because of the way he acted in his life.
“no rest, no peace. Incessant torture of remorse”
Two short simple sentences create a sense of tension by increasing the pace. It also mirrors the trapped and claustraphobic feelings Marley is experiencing in Purgatory.
Dickens subverts the rule of three - by stopping after two clauses, Dickens leaves the sentence feeling unfinished causing the reader to feel uncomfortable. Mirrors scrooge’s uncomfortable feelings towards the ghost, allowing us to sympathise.
“Mankind was my business”
Phrase reflects Dicken’s ideas on social responsibility - idea that we are all accountable to each other and that it is our duty to help one another.
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
