Scripting Scrooge

By KARA McGUIRE, Star Tribune

Last update: December 20, 2008 - 4:41 PM

Several references in "A Christmas Carol" reveal Ebenezer Scrooge's money beliefs, or what author Rick Kahler calls money scripts. Here's a selection of quotes and the money script they represent.

"Bah! Humbug! What right do you have to be merry? You're poor enough."

Money script: You need to be rich to be happy.

"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."

Money script: Poor people don't work hard enough, and the only money I'll give them is what I pay in taxes.

"There is nothing on which it is so hard as poverty."

Money script: Nothing is worse than being poor, not even being alone in the world.

"A merrier Christmas, Bob, my good fellow, than I have given you for many a year. I'll raise your salary, and endeavour to assist your struggling family."

Money script: It's OK to be fair and generous. And it's possible to change.

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