A Christmas Carol: Marley’s Ghost - Study Guide
This guide will help you understand the key elements of Chapter 1: "Marley’s Ghost." This chapter is foundational to understanding the themes and character development in A Christmas Carol.
Themes / Big Ideas
The Consequences of Greed & Isolation: The chapter establishes Scrooge’s character as a man consumed by wealth and utterly detached from human connection. Marley's fate serves as a warning about the spiritual cost of prioritizing money over compassion.
Redemption & Second Chances: While not explicitly stated yet, the introduction of Marley’s ghost hints at the possibility of redemption. The idea that spirits can warn and guide suggests a path to change even after death.
Social Responsibility & Empathy: The chapter highlights the plight of the poor and destitute, contrasting their suffering with Scrooge’s indifference. It raises questions about our obligation to help those less fortunate.
The Supernatural as a Catalyst for Change: The ghost’s appearance is not merely frightening; it's meant to disrupt Scrooge’s worldview and force him to confront his past and present behavior.
The Power of Memory & Regret: Marley’s suffering is rooted in his past actions and the opportunities he missed. The chapter emphasizes the lasting impact of our choices.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| emphatic | adjective | expressing something with strong feeling; forceful |
| unhallowed | adjective | not consecrated or dedicated to a holy purpose; profane |
| executor | noun | a person chosen to carry out the instructions in a will |
| administrator | noun | a person legally authorized to manage the affairs of another, especially in case of bankruptcy or death |
| assign | noun | a transfer of rights or property |
| legatee | noun | a person who receives something as part of a will |
| solemnised | verb | perform or celebrate with due ceremony; make formal and sacred |
| simile | noun | a figure of speech comparing two unlike things using "like" or "as" |
| palpable | adjective | able to be touched or felt; easily perceived |
| facetious | adjective | treating serious issues lightly; humorous in a way that is inappropriate or flippant |
| surly | adjective | bad-tempered and unfriendly |
| implored | verb | beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something |
| veneration | noun | great respect; reverence |
| susceptible | adjective | easily influenced or affected by something |
| incoherent | adjective | expressed in a confused and rambling way |
| dirge | noun | a lament for the dead; a mournful song |
| enshrouded | verb | cover or surround with a cloak or veil |
| faltering | adjective | unsteady; wavering |
Quotes to Look For (and consider their significance)
“Marley was dead: to begin with.”: This blunt opening immediately establishes the central premise and a sense of foreboding.
“Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail.”: The use of this common idiom emphasizes the finality of death, but also introduces Dickens’ playful style.
“Scrooge knew he was dead? Of course he did.”: This highlights Scrooge’s pragmatic and unemotional nature.
“a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner!”: This vivid description paints a clear picture of Scrooge’s character.
“External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge.”: This emphasizes his emotional coldness as being even stronger than physical conditions.
“Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say, with gladsome looks, “My dear Scrooge, how are you?”: This illustrates his isolation and lack of connection with others.
“Bah!” said Scrooge, “Humbug!”: This becomes a recurring refrain representing his cynicism and rejection of Christmas spirit.
“It is required of every man, that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellowmen…”: This is a key statement of the chapter’s central theme about social responsibility.
“I wear the chain I forged in life…It was full as heavy and as long as this, seven Christmas Eves ago. You have laboured on it, since.”: This reveals the consequences of a life focused solely on wealth.
“Mankind was my business.”: Marley’s regret over prioritizing money over people.
“Expect the first to-morrow, when the bell tolls One.”: The ominous foreshadowing of the Three Spirits.
This study guide should help you analyze and understand the important elements of "Marley’s Ghost" and prepare for further discussion of A Christmas Carol.