Describe Marley's Ghost in A Christmas Carol. Marley looks like he did in life except that he now appears transparent and wears a chain of items related to his business. Her first book,Inventing the Addict: Drugs, Race, and Sexuality in Nineteenth-Century British and American Literature(University of Massachusetts Press), describes how metaphors of addiction such as exile, self-enslavement, and disease circulated through literature and culture to forge the new identity of the addict. Please wait while we process your payment. As those things were his only concern in life, Marley must carry them now and forever. Why on earth would a Christian wish that for their child, let alone encourage it? `Mercy!' The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. A Christmas Carol. "What does the quote "I wear the chains I forged in life" make the reader feel inA Christmas Carol?" You have laboured on it, since. The truth is, that he tried to be smart, as a means of distracting his own attention, and keeping down his terror; for the spectre's voice disturbed the very marrow in his bones. "I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free-will, and of my own free . So the chain was now available to suggest self-inflicted harm the irony and the iron. cannot linger anywhere. Marley explains the justice in his everlasting punishment. In this case, my behavior will affect others, and I should consider how my plans will influence them before acting. He has also played on several travel ball teams over the years, with the clear understanding up front that we would not sacrifice the Sabbath day to participate nor would regularly missing Wednesday night Bible studies be permissible. Pondering on what the Ghost had said, he did so now, but without lifting up his eyes, or getting off his knees. happier, asks readers and listeners questions, and includes exclusive And, of course, we have the wonderful lines that are quoted so often, "I wear the chains I forged in life," and "mankind was my business." So, there's just the wonderful . Nor Is its pattern strange to you?, Or would you know, pursued the Ghost, the weight and length of the strong coil you bear yourself? So, happy holidays and check back for another Dicken-to-Go. Looking out of the window he sees the air was filled with phantoms, wandering hither and thither in restless haste, and moaning as they went every one of them wore chains like Marleys Ghost, some linked together and some who Scrooge recognises from when they were alive. It was long, and wound about him like a tail; and it was made (for Scrooge observed it closely) of cash-boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds, and . English GSCE but no English teacher- help! . on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% Renews May 8, 2023 By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. You have laboured on it, since. Zieger is currently researching. before his face. In each case, a chain is mentioned as an object that binds someone or something. Is its pattern strange to you? Wed love to have you back! What does the mother say about her life in this poem? can I tell you what I would. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Latest answer posted December 03, 2020 at 4:13:31 PM. "Business!" ", "I do," said Scrooge. For that reason, we chose in his seventh grade year to stay homeschooling in favor of enrolling him in a private Christian academy so he could play sports at a varsity level. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. So all that humor is blended in there at the same time as this existential dread. Do we number our days? humbug!'. The line from Scripture asking what father would give his child a scorpion when he asked for an egg comes to mind. You have laboured on it, since. The chain he drew was clasped about his middle. If even half as much energy was put into teaching children their Faith (in a serious manner, not in a silly Veggie Tales manner) how much better would everything be? This is because other people's feelings are more important than yours, so don't risk losing them for money or fame. Whom are we uplifting? but without lifting up his eyes, or getting off his Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Also, a chain is a connection between two objects or people. ?A CHRISTMAS CAROL- IMPORTANT QUOTES Quote #1 "You are fettered," said Scrooge, trembling. Life is filled with distractions, the source of which should be readily apparent. Want 100 or more? Nor can I tell you what I would. Do we take heed of the opportunities for Christian service God presents us on a daily basis? Speak comfort to me, Jacob! "Much"--Marley's voice, no doubt about it. But how much greater was his horror, when the phantom taking off the bandage round its head, as if it were too warm to wear indoors, its lower jaw dropped down upon its breast! beyond our counting-house -- mark me! Whether they got into an Ivy League school? TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. Scrooge will learn that the chain serves as Marleys punishment. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. Marleys ghost metaphorically carries the concerns he had in his life through different items associated with money, that are symbolic of things Marley spent his life concerned about and reflect . Scrooge asked the question, because he didn't know whether a ghost so transparent might find himself in a condition to take a chair; and felt that in the event of its being impossible, it might involve the necessity of an embarrassing explanation. Charles Dickens Resources and Bibliography. Every Friday, Gretchen Rubin shares 5 things that are making her happier, asks readers and listeners questions, and includes exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes material. Quotes.net. me why?'. ", "The whole time," said the Ghost. The Ghost, on hearing this, set up another cry, and clanked its chain so hideously in the dead silence of the night, that the Ward would have been justified and indicting it for a nuisance. this, and be for the rest of my days persecuted by a Official University of Glasgow 2023 Applicant Thread. . " "I wear the chain I forged in life," replied the Ghost. All rights reserved. It is a chain formed of "steel cash-boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds, and hefty purses." It is a ponderous chain!. Hello, I'm Susan Zieger. Marleys ghost serves to make Scrooge fearful of afterlife and that his accumulated wealth will become a burden if it is not liberated by sharing amongst those less fortunate. Readers speculate that if Marley likewise served as Scrooges sole friend, with Marleys death Scrooge lives his life completely alone. spirit never roved beyond the narrow limits of our Scrooge is making his chain with his evil, covetous ways. Scrooge is told that he has made for himself an even longer chain that he will wear in death, Marley warning him that his own chain was full as heavy and as long as this, seven Christmas Eves ago. I made it link by link and yard by yard. Her second book, (Fordham University Press, 2018), contends that our twenty-first-century moment of digital media saturation was formed through nineteenth-century encounters with printed ephemera. Pop Goes The Weasel. money-changing hole; and weary journeys lie before Copyright 2004. its chain with such a dismal and appalling noise, that We promise not to spam you. It was long, and wound about him like a tail; and it was made (for Scrooge observed it closely) of cash-boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds, and . (?) This shows that you should never betray someone else's trust. `Old Jacob Marley, We had to reinforce that position a couple of times, and he missed out on some opportunities to play on some teams where there was no resolution on that subject. The first mention of chains occurs when Marley tells his father that he has been "a kind of phantom in these dwelling-places" (Page 3). Christmas Eves ago. Its likely to be a very cheap funeral, for upon my life I dont know of anybody to go to it. For example, if you use drugs regularly and act inappropriately with women then they will probably leave you. Incessant torture of remorse.". Tired of reading? I am here tonight to warn you that you have a chance and hope of escaping my fate.. We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly. world -- oh, woe is me! What does the quote "Those who stand for nothing fall for everything" mean? for a customized plan. View over 250 locations associated with Charles Dickens in our trail. by other ministers, to other kinds of men. It was as full, as heavy, as long as this seven Christmas Eves ago, you have labored on it since, it is a ponderous chain! Yet, this year my rumination centered on the apparition that, somewhat like a spooky John the Baptist, played their herald. Moses asked the Lord to teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.. View all our archive of over 600 Charles Dickens quotations, View quotations by character (sorted by work). In A Christmas Carol, Marley's ghost has cashboxes, ledgers, and other things from the business attached to him with chains. What is the status of our family, our kinsmen, our communities? About Us | Charles Dickens presents a number of clear moments of social commentary in A Christmas Carol. Share Cite. "Tell me why? The choices he made in life, to value money and business over others welfare, created the fetters he wears now. "You are fettered," said Scrooge, trembling. Yet such was I! When I read the novel, I am struck by the omissions the movie versions make regarding some of the more explicitly Christian themes present. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, "Secret, And Self-contained, And Solitary As An Oyster". The misery with them all was, clearly, that they sought to interfere, for good, in human matters, and had lost the power forever.. Last, but not least, Scrooge believes that he is bound by the chain he has forged in . "I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it. "I wear the chain I forged in life! Together, as the firm of Scrooge and Marley, they became successful yet hard-hearted bankers, with seats on the London Stock Exchange. Charles Dickens speech to Metropolitan Sanitary Association. . Despite Marleys pitiful appearance and strong words, Scrooge will need further convincing that he needs to change. His business partner, the equally mean Jacob Marley, died seven years previous and he lives alone, having never married. "I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free-will, and of my own free-will I wore it. A Little Happier: Am I Looking for My Wallet Where the Light Is Good, or Where I Dropped It? All Rights Reserved. | I wear the chain I forged in life Marley explains his condemnation by saying that he wears the "chain" he "forged in life." This chain is symbolic of Marley's business affairs and his pursuit of wealth when he was alive - because it was this that chained him to his desk, or to a certain frame of mind. What might these What is the theme of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens? and wrung its shadowy hands. It was full as heavy and as long as this, seven SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. asked Scrooge, looking doubtfully at him. But how much greater was But why do spirits eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. In each case, a chain is mentioned as an object that binds someone or something. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. He warns Scrooge that it is required of every man, that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellow-men, and travel far and wide; and, if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death. Is experience required? Given an unexpected opportunity to communicateperhaps as a Christmas miracleMarley feels determined to help Scrooge and he warns him here. Are we operating in an atmosphere of gratitude? It is at this moment that Scrooge hears confused noises in the air; incoherent sounds of lamentation and regret; wailings inexpressibly sorrowful and self-accusatory. After listening for a moment, Scrooge succumbs to his curiosity and looks into the night air. -- in life my CONTACT. Knowing the answer to one simple questionHow do we respond to inner and outer expectations?can help us achieve our aims. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The story of Scrooges redemption has been so repetitive I find it beneficial to endeavor to find new angles of perspective to the story. Justification is a one-time blessing of God and an assurance to live forever. All the fun of Charles Dickenss Greenwich Fair. for a group? Each object represents a sin. In Prose. A Christmas Carol, sometimes multiple versions of it, is a must-see. GCSE English literature grade 9 example answers (link in post), A-level English Literature Study Group 2022-2023. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. "I wear the chain I forged in life," replied the Ghost. At our age, members of the Class of '48 have an abundance of free timeand Joyce Van Denburgh Doty, MFA '50, made excellent use of it with a detailed response to the Share Your News form.. Perhaps invigorated by the oxygen she uses (though she never smoked, she presumes she inhaled others'), she goes beyond her own TV watching of both old black-and-white shows and modern news to . I am in Y10. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. We hope you will make a video too! You can unsubscribe at any time. Consider, for example, that every film I have seen contains the lines from the scene where Scrooge tries to reconcile Marleys position in life: But you were always a good man of business, Jacob, faltered Scrooge, who now began to apply this to himself. replied the Ghost, `do tags: chains , choices. Mankind was my business. Share this quote . Scrooge glanced about him on the floor, in the expectation of finding himself surrounded by some fifty or sixty fathoms of iron cable: but he could see nothing. Along with movie star, pop music star, and politician, pro-athlete must be one of the best ways to lose ones soul and live a life overflowing with pride-filled sin. Marley's Ghost appears in heavy chains, as Dickens writes: The chain he drew was clasped about his middle. Accessed 1 May 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. walk the earth, and why do they come to me? My spirit never walked beyond our counting-house -- mark me! "But you were always a good band of business, Jacob," faltered, Scrooge, who now began to apply this to himself. ", "I wear the chain I forged in life," replied the Ghost. This builds inital anticipation and tension all throughout Stave one. Latest answer posted December 05, 2020 at 2:12:53 PM. his fellowmen, and travel far and wide; and if that Mr. Doggrell that is encouraging to hear! ', `I do,' said Scrooge. "Who were you then?" The Modern Meaning Behind Marley's Chains. It was through chains that African people were kidnapped, made to endure the middle passage, and transported throughout the United States. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. "You're particular, for a shade." Perhaps the only thing I would add to Dickenss emphasis is that our business is primarily to serve and worship the Lord, and that the natural extension of that is to serve our fellow man. ", "Or would you know," pursued the Ghost, "the weight and length of a strong coil you bear yourself? "I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it.". What is your most detested Christmas film or tv show? "You must've been very slow about it, Jacob," Scrooge observed, in a business-like manner, though with humility and deference. on 50-99 accounts. `Dreadful apparition, why do Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me?. returned Scrooge, "I have but to swallow this, and for the rest of my days persecuted by a legion of goblins, all of my own creation. As Marley leaves, Scrooge became sensible of confused noises in the air; incoherent sounds of lamentation and regret; wailings inexpressibly sorrowful and self-accusatory. "I wear the chain I forged in life," replied the Ghost. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. The purpose of this ghost is to convince Scrooge to learn the lessons of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future for his own, (Scrooge's) salvation. In life, Jacob Marley was the business partner of Ebenezer Scrooge. But it usually means that your actions in life will have an impact on others, and that you should consider those effects when planning your future behavior. knees. An atmosphere of growth is a key to a happier life. Oh! You'll also receive an email with the link. Further, Scrooge learns that he himself has already forged a similar chainbut for seven years longer. My spirit never walked beyond our counting-house--mark me!--in life my spirit never roved beyond the narrow limits of our money-changing hole; and weary journeys lie before me!". What lesson does Scrooge learn from each spirit in A Christmas Carol? I'm going to read to you a little bit from A Christmas Carol, Stave One. Latest answer posted January 12, 2021 at 5:08:54 PM. from other regions, Ebenezer Scrooge, and is conveyed ', `I have none to give,' the Ghost replied. I cannot rest, I cannot stay, I cannot linger anywhere. Likewise, Ebenezer claims that his son was bound by the chain he had forged in life. . "It comes from other regions, Ebenezer Scrooge, and is conveyed by other ministers, to other kinds of men. This phrase has many interpretations depending on the context. legion of goblins, all of my own creation. PREDICTIONS of lit inspector calls 2023 AQA, AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 2 (8702/2) - 24th May [Exam Chat], WJEC eduqas english literature predictions 2023, AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 1 (8702/1) - 17th May [Exam Chat]. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. I made it link by link and yard by yard! "I wear the chain I forged in life": This declarative sentence mood accentuates the main theme of isolation and hosts quite an emotional tone for Scrooge. Meaning and analysis. And I think that humor is kind of, put in counterpoint with the mortal judgment, the last judgment for one's wasted life. He killed James before he died and therefore deserves to die too. This meditation is not meant to stir a debate about purgatory (Dickens, himself a professed Christian, held misgivings toward Roman Catholicism). the teacher of all things. 1948. So, this was over, in the English sphere, although it continued through the Portuguese and in the U.S. by the time Dickens was writing. The Student Room and The Uni Guide are trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. tell me more. Jacob Marley: [to Scrooge] I wear the chain I forged in life. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? What shall be the fruits of our labor by which men may know us? Charles Dickens (1812-1870) British novelist. "I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it. Continue to start your free trial. Can I answer a different question to the text i'm answering? `It comes you believe in me or not? Bound in chains and tormented, the ghost is doomed to wander the earth forever as punishment for his greed and selfishness when he was alive. "Mercy!" And, of course, we have the wonderful lines that are quoted so often, "I wear the chains I forged in life," and "mankind was my business.". You have laboured on it, since. Tell me why?, I wear the chain I forged in life, replied the Ghost. "In life I was your partner, Jacob Marley.". If something that can be a good thing in and of itself comes into conflict with that, we must choose Christ. Scrooge fell upon his knees, and clasped his hands before his face. First of all, the humor of it: Scrooge's bad jokes, all of the musings about whether or not the Ghost can sit, you know, his sort of chiding him for thinking he should have traveled further in seven years. Scrooge is making his chain with evil, covetous ways, he is going to hell! Scrooge was visited by three spirits. you trouble me? Scrooge is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley, his former business partner who died seven years ago on the same day (Christmas Eve). Pondering on what the Ghost had said, he did so now, The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence were, all, my business. Is its pattern strange to you or would you know the length of the strong coils you bear yourself? Subscribe now. That being said, my family and I also enjoy the Christmas Carol on an annual basis along with Its a Wonderful Life.. Log in here. (one code per order). All of the steel cash-boxes, keys, and deeds symbolize the tools of Marley's earthly trade, the things that made him a successful businessman. said Scrooge, raising his voice. I think it's interesting, especially how Dickens materializes the metaphor of the chain, to symbolize this paradoxical sentence. Scrooge was not much in the habit of cracking jokes, nor did he feel, in his heart, by any means waggish then. Available now. 2022 Gretchen Rubin. Marleys appearance warns Scrooge of his potential fate. `You are fettered,' said Scrooge, trembling. Latest answer posted July 29, 2019 at 8:57:00 PM. Is its pattern strange to you? GCSE English Literature Study Group 2022-2023, 2023 Edexcel English Lit A Level - Predictions, Gcse English language paper 1 November 2022, Edexcel IGCSE English Language A Paper 2 Predictions June 2023, "As you are over the age of 21, we require evidence that you are a dependent", Anyone else still waiting on KCL (computer science), AQA A Level Sociology Paper 1 (7192/1) - 22nd May [Exam Chat]. Some of the links in this site are are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Design changes: Please bear with us if you come across anything that may look a little disjointed. . By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Christmas traditions abound at our home, and they are among the holiday hallmarks we come to cherish every December. "I must. On the top-ranking, award-winning podcastHappier with Gretchen Rubin, Gretchen discusses happiness and good habits with her sister, Hollywood show-runnerElizabeth Craft. Pictures and meaning about "I wear the chain I forged in life . Why would life in a tower be tranquil and rare? So, this is the kind of cosmopolitan spirit of inclusive, liberal modernity that widens the social sphere, the idea that we can reach out to other people and make a difference to them. There's more gravy than of grave about you, whatever you are!". How interesting that, almost 200 years ago, Dickens only singled out one profession among these tortured phantoms that were actually linked together due to their collective crimes against humanity. As those things were his only concern in life, Marley must carry them now and forever. Background. We are currently converting the 3,000+ pages within our WordPress site to make them more mobile friendly. .etc. Its not that these things are bad in and of themselves (well, with soccer maybe the exception), but the amount of time and energy parents put into those endeavors, including allowing practices and games and recitals to completely rule their family schedules and do-away with any idea of Sunday as the Lords Day its completely disproportionate with how much that grade will be weighted on the final of all final exams. As Marley knows, Scrooges currently invisible chain consists of the same items, because the two men made the same choices and focused on the same things in their lives. Scrooges business partner and only friend in earthly life was Jacob Marley, who had died exactly seven years prior on Christmas Eve. -- and witness what it cannot it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I Are we, like Scrooge and Marley, so preoccupied with business that we turn a blind eye to the least of these?