“Scrooge was his sole executor, his sole administrator, his sole assign, his sole residuary legatee, his sole friend, and sole mourner”
This shows that Scrooge was an incredibly important figure in Marley’s life and death, being given many responsibilities, such as carrying out the wishes inis will, that might otherwise be given to his next of kin. In addition, the repetition of the word “sole”, a homophone for soul, gives the impression that Scrooge and Marley’s souls were closely entangled, in addition to emphasising how it was Scrooge alone to hold this close position in Marley’s life
“Sometimes people new to the business called Scrooge Scrooge, and sometimes Marley, but he answered to both names”
This gives the reader into Scrooge’s relationship with his deceased partner, showing that he is unwilling to let his legacy die as well. Scrooge’s willingness to be referred to by the other name conveys the closeness of the relationship that the two must have shared in life, as one blended into the other. In addition, there is a connotation of marriage, as particularly in the Victorian era, marriages involved one party taking on the surname of the other
“Jacob!” He said imploringly, “Old Jacob Marley, tell me more! Speak comfort to me Jacob!”
The use of Marley’s first name by Scrooge again implies an intimate relationship between the two men, as both have been exclusively referred to only by their full or surnames up this point in the novel, including by Scrooge’s own nephew. It is also interesting that this is the first time Scrooge speaks to Marley’s ghost as his former partner rather than an apparition, “imploringly” asking to be comforted, perhaps implying he was comforted by Marley in life
In conclusion, ✨Gay✨
Mooge
