Question

Ebeneezer Scrooge, a character in a novel by Charles Dickens, is stingy with his money even when he sees people in need. Marta refused to loan her brother a quarter to buy a marble he wanted at the thrift shop. "Don't be such a scrooge!" he pleaded. What does the allusion in this sentence show about Marta's brother?

Answer 1

The allusion to Scrooge suggests that Marta's brother sees her refusal to lend a quarter as stingy and ungenerous, akin to Dickens's famous character.

Step-by-step explanation:

The allusion to Ebeneezer Scrooge in the context of Marta's refusal to loan her brother a quarter indicates that her brother views her behavior as stingy and lacking in generosity. This comparison draws upon the widely recognized characteristic of Scrooge from Charles Dickens's novel, who is known for his miserly ways, particularly his initial unwillingness to part with money even when confronted with the needs of others. The allusion suggests that her brother sees her actions as similar to Scrooge's, thus implying a criticism of her lack of kindness or willingness to help, despite it being a small amount of money in question.