Why do you think the image of Marley appears to Scrooge in A Christmas Carol?

Marley appeared to Scrooge because he wanted to help him make more of his life.

Jacob Marley was Scrooge’s business partner.  He died seven years before the book opens, on Christmas Eve.  Scrooge did not have many friends and was not the most hospitable person.  However, Marley was a good friend to Scrooge.  Both of them had similar attitudes toward making money.

When he died, Marley became a ghost.  Marley first appeared in the knocker to get Scrooge off-balance.  He wanted Scrooge a little shaken.  When he sees Scrooge he explains why he became a ghost.  He said it was because he had not been a better man during his lifetime.

“It is required of every man,” the Ghost returned, “that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellowmen, and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death. …” (Stave One)

The ghost of Marley tells Scrooge that he has to witness the inequities of the world without being able to change them.  He has been watching Scrooge, and somehow arranged a special chance for him.  He explains to Scrooge that he is fettered because of his greed during his life, and Scrooge has continued to add to his chains.

“Or would you know,” pursued the Ghost, “the weight and length of the strong coil you bear yourself? It was full as heavy and as long as this, seven Christmas Eves ago. You have laboured on it, since. It is a ponderous chain!” (Stave One)

It is because of this that Marley arranges for the three ghosts to visit Scrooge.  He does not give Scrooge many details, except that Scrooge has a “chance and hope” of escaping his fate.  Scrooge is not thrilled with the idea of being haunted by three Spirits.  Marley tells him that for his own sake, he needs to remember their visit.

Scrooge does go along with the ghosts, and their lessons are so strong that they actually work.  When Scrooge sees his past, present, and future and how he influences others, he emerges a changed man.  He realizes that Jacob Marley was right—mankind is everyone’s business, and it is his responsibility to help the less fortunate.