Who Jacob Marley is
Jacob Marley is the former business partner of Ebenezer Scrooge, an old London moneylender who scorns Christmas. Scrooge still runs their firm under both names and has never changed its sign.
On Christmas Eve, Marley's ghost enters Scrooge's rooms with the sound of a dragging chain. Cash boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds and heavy purses make up the burden he carries.
What Jacob Marley wants
Marley comes out of pity, hoping to warn Scrooge against repeating his own choices. He explains that he forges his chain during life through greed and neglect of suffering.
Now he must wander and witness the good he can no longer do. He tells Scrooge that three spirits will visit, offering a chance to escape a similar burden.
Jacob Marley and the others in the story
Scrooge remembers Marley as a good businessman, but Marley challenges that narrow measure of a life. His warning turns their shared business past into a question about responsibility to other people.
A best-known line
“Mankind was my business.”
Questions
Who is Jacob Marley?
Jacob Marley is the ghost of Scrooge's former business partner, returning on Christmas Eve with a warning.
Why does Jacob Marley wear chains?
His chain represents the choices he makes while alive, especially his greed and failure to help others.
Why does Jacob Marley visit Scrooge?
He wants to help Scrooge avoid the suffering he now bears. He announces the coming visits of three spirits.