Part B
What do the following lines reveal about Ebenezer Scrooge's character?
"Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude," returned the
gentleman, "a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink, and means of
warmth. We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices.
What shall I put you down for?"
"Nothing!" Scrooge replied.
"You wish to be anonymous?"
"I wish to be left alone," said Scrooge. "Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I don't make merry
myself at Christmas and I can't afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have
mentioned-they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there."
"Many can't go there; and many would rather die."
"If they would rather die," said Scrooge, "They had better do it, and decrease the surplus population."
