In Charles Dickens' classic tale "A Christmas Carol," the ghost of Jacob Marley visits his former friend and partner Ebeneezer Scrooge late on Christmas Eve. No year is given, but the novella was published in 1843 and appears to be a more or less contemporary story.
The other three spirits were, according to Marley, to have visited Scrooge every night for three successive nights beginning that very evening at midnight. However, after the manifestations have passed, Scrooge discovers to his delight that they concluded their business all on the same evening, so that it is only Christmas morning when the last vision ends.
Christmas Eve 1843
24th December 1843 for Jacob Marley and the three ghosts from 1am Christmas day
Scrooge's reference to the anniversary of Marley's death foreshadowed Marley's ghost visiting him later that night. The mention of the anniversary hinted at the ghostly encounters that were about to begin, leading to Scrooge's transformation.
He removes 2 pennies used to keep Marleys eyes closed and then signs the death register taking ownership of all Marley's books, ledgers accounts and home
Jacob Marley came to Ebenezer Scrooge after seven years of his death to warn him about the consequences of his selfish and greedy ways. Marley's ghost hoped to save Scrooge from sharing the same fate of being trapped in chains and torment for eternity, urging him to change his ways before it was too late.
Jacobs return was the start of the changes that Scrooge was to undertake before Christmas Day. Marley tells Scrooge that he (Marley) will walk the earth for eternity because of his attitude to his fellow man. It was a punishment that he did not want Scrooge to endure
Scrooge's partner ,Jacob Marley, died on Christmas Eve. There is also the fact that Scrooge himself hates to see other people happy.
He was working in his counting house as it was Christmas Eve 1837
All of the ghosts are encouraging Scrooge to examine his heart and his actions towards others, not just during the Christmas season, but all year round. They hope to convince him to change his stingy ways and share his his wealth and his love and make a difference in the world.
Christmas Eve 1837
The third ghost that came to visit Ebenezer Scrooge in a Christmas Carol was the Ghost of Christmas Present, if you include Marley's ghost, but if you do not include Marley, then the third (and therefore last) ghost was that of the Christmas Yet to Come, a spectral ghost whose most terrifying feature was that of his muted voice.
Ah, what a lovely question. Scrooge and Marley are like two different colors on the same palette. While Scrooge is initially cold and stingy, Marley is burdened by regret and seeks to help his old friend change his ways. Together, they show us the beauty of redemption and the power of kindness.