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'Old Marley was as dead as a doornail'

Hi I have an exam tomorrow and it would really help if someone could help me analyse this quote. So far I have that it is hyperbole in the form of a simile to compare the deceased Marley to an inanimate object. Could I say something about how it gives a comedic tone?
Reply 1
it is at the start of the novella so it sets an eerie sinister tone from the beginning
Reply 2
This quote may suggest that the author is referring to the coffin nail and as nails are not alive this was a good link with Marley’s death. Moreover, it foreshadows what later happens in the story where Marley’s face appears in Scrooge’s doorknocker: adding a supernatural side to this novella. The emphasis in the repetition of the simile is ominous and portrays something is to happen(the return of β€œOld Marley” as a ghost), adding tension and suspense very early in the novella. The fact that Marley β€œis dead” makes his return more of a significance and surprise than if he were alive. Dickens makes sure we are certain of Marley’s status before surprising us, and Scrooge.
Original post by izziw19
This quote may suggest that the author is referring to the coffin nail and as nails are not alive this was a good link with Marley’s death. Moreover, it foreshadows what later happens in the story where Marley’s face appears in Scrooge’s doorknocker: adding a supernatural side to this novella. The emphasis in the repetition of the simile is ominous and portrays something is to happen(the return of β€œOld Marley” as a ghost), adding tension and suspense very early in the novella. The fact that Marley β€œis dead” makes his return more of a significance and surprise than if he were alive. Dickens makes sure we are certain of Marley’s status before surprising us, and Scrooge.

Thank you so much!!!
Reply 4
Original post by qaserfcvbhjiolk
Thank you so much!!!

its okayyy, if you need anymore helpp on ACC i am more than happy to help :smile:
Good luck in your exam i am sure you will do amazing!!
Original post by qaserfcvbhjiolk
Hi I have an exam tomorrow and it would really help if someone could help me analyse this quote. So far I have that it is hyperbole in the form of a simile to compare the deceased Marley to an inanimate object. Could I say something about how it gives a comedic tone?

Probably no point replying now, as 3 years late!!! (however, may help 2024 GCSE students)

So obviously this quote highlights what have been previously mentioned (about suspense and adding to the supernatural element to the story, which the Victorians would have been strongly drawn into)

Also, I believe that it actually also has a social message: that we need to change before our 'ghost' comes and haunts us. So, at the start, Marley is 'dead as a doornail', which exemplifies his dead nature (obvi), but it is quite interesting how the Ghost comes AFTER he has negative views towards and poor and AFTER he is evidently still marginalised in society, and so the Ghost comes to change that. This will encourage the reader to change their ways, to prevent their 'ghost' from haunting them and giving them a frightful experience!

Hope this helps (mainly to the GCSE 2024 STUDENTS)
Original post by 20aneely123
Probably no point replying now, as 3 years late!!! (however, may help 2024 GCSE students)
So obviously this quote highlights what have been previously mentioned (about suspense and adding to the supernatural element to the story, which the Victorians would have been strongly drawn into)
Also, I believe that it actually also has a social message: that we need to change before our 'ghost' comes and haunts us. So, at the start, Marley is 'dead as a doornail', which exemplifies his dead nature (obvi), but it is quite interesting how the Ghost comes AFTER he has negative views towards and poor and AFTER he is evidently still marginalised in society, and so the Ghost comes to change that. This will encourage the reader to change their ways, to prevent their 'ghost' from haunting them and giving them a frightful experience!
Hope this helps (mainly to the GCSE 2024 STUDENTS)

Well bit late also but this has really helped me with my revision for my mocks and will for my actual gcse so thank you sm!!!!

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