Discuss the Role of Marley and the Three Spirits in Helping to Reform Ebenezer Scrooge.

The success of the reformation of Ebenezer Scrooge is a combination of the understanding of elements from his past, his present-day attributes and also the potential consequences of his future. Each of these is portrayed by the arrival of an apparition whose aim is to assist in his gradual transformation and redemption from hardened miser, to genial contributor to society. Whilst the transition to reformation is indeed steady, the significance of each ghost is fundamental to the journey and delivers an essential lesson to not only Scrooge but to the wider society, a prominent element of Dickensian allegorical literature.

The past relationship between Scrooge and Marley, whilst living, creates a suitable foundation to both begin the tale and begin Scrooge’s ultimate redemption. A Christmas Carol is introduced by the matter-of-fact statement, “Marley was dead: to begin with.” The oxymoron within the statement is contradictory of what is to follow and although it defines a seemingly definite fact, it plays a main role in introducing the major theme of the novel, redemption. Marley represents the first ghost to haunt Scrooge this Christmas Eve and evokes a sense of journey and discovery within the reader. In the initial stages of the novella, Scrooge is described as a “tight-fisted man” with “thin blue lips” and frozen-like features. This symbolic comparison to winter, “no warmth could warm, nor wintery weather chill him,” suggests an unappealing personality which is immediately unpopular with the reader. Scrooge displays disbelief when Marley’s ghost appears in his home. However, Marley is not visiting for a casual discussion in the afterlife, he comes baring warning. As a ghost, he is trapped in chains, keys and locks; all burdens from life which he is now obliged to wear in death, “I wear the chain I forged in life.” In reaching his purpose, Marley delivers his warning, “you will be haunted... by Three Spirits” he forewarns, although dismissive and in denial...