Before the 20th century, ghost stories were a Christmas tradition, particularly in Europe. The
    popular fascination with the supernatural during Christmas stemmed from centuries of pagan
    mythology that interpreted the frightening loss of warmth and light during the winter.  After
    Christian doctrine attached itself to European pagan traditions, the old winter rites and traditions
    became intertwined with the new. Dickens’s A Christmas Carol carried on the seasonal custom of
    ghost stories -- a custom now largely forgotten.  Marley’s Ghost, written 156 years later, draws upon
    Dickens’ tale, the harsh times of 19th century England and the pagan roots of our Christmas
    traditions.
       
      Suggested discussion points  
        (MG=Marley's Ghost, CC=Christmas Carol)
       
      Comparisons:
      •What are the key differences/similarities between Marley’s Ghost and A Christmas Carol?
    Consider:-- Plot, theme, tone, voice, characters, etc.
      •How faithful is MG to CC?  What details from CC are present in MG?  How are the same
    scenes handled?
      •How does MG reconcile reinterpretations of CC scenes with the original?
      •Why is MG not written in a Dickensian tone?      
      •Is MG more like other works of that era?
      •MG is three times longer than CC; how did that affect the pacing, development and your
    enjoyment of the work?
      Characters:
      •What aspects of the main characters do you admire or distrust?
      •What are the most significant interactions between the characters?
      •What scenes reveal most about their underlying motives?
      •Were their motives believable?  Were you satisfied by the resolutions of their conflicts?
      •Which characters would you like to know more about?
      Themes:
      •What are the themes of MG?  How do the plot and symbolism support those themes?
      •What is the central metaphor of MG?   What contemporary cultural myths are challenged
    by MG?
      •Is MG heretical? Theologically ambiguous? Or a confirmation of orthodoxy?
      •What are the theological implications of the story?  Is MG appropriate to the Christmas
    season?                       
      General:
      •What did you learn about 19th England that you did not know before?
      •Which book did you read first?
      •Which book did you enjoy most?
Discussion Guide

Marley’s Ghost and A Christmas Carol