Jacob Marley's jaw was tied after his death as a common historical practice to ensure his mouth remained closed.
The Historical Practice of Post-Mortem Care
In the era depicted in A Christmas Carol, it was a standard procedure to tie the jaws of the deceased. This was done for several practical and aesthetic reasons:
- Preventing the Mouth from Opening: After death, the muscles in the body relax. Without intervention, a deceased person's jaw can naturally fall open, causing the mouth to sit agape. Tying the jaw shut with a cloth or rag prevented this.
- Maintaining Appearance: Keeping the mouth closed helped to preserve a more natural and dignified appearance for the deceased during viewing or before burial. This was important for the respect given to the body.
- Marley's Specific Case: Jacob Marley, having died seven years prior to the story's main events, would have undergone this traditional post-mortem preparation. The practice ensured that his jaw was held firmly shut, as was customary for the time.
Evolution of Mortuary Practices
While Jacob Marley's jaw was likely tied with a simple cloth or rag, modern methods for ensuring a deceased person's jaw remains closed have evolved. Today, it is common for the jaw to be secured by:
- Stitching: Using sutures to carefully close the mouth.
- Wiring: Employing wires for a similar purpose, providing a secure closure.
The visual impact of this historical practice is often highlighted in adaptations of A Christmas Carol. Some portrayals dramatically show Jacob Marley untying the rag around his head, causing his jaw to drop open, which creates a memorable and indeed, scary, effect for the audience.
