In 3–5 sentences, describe a character that is stingy with money and dishonest. Include allusions to Scrooge and Pinocchio or two other suitable, well-known allusions in your response. (4 points)
Meet Mr. Finchley, a character as stingy with money as Scrooge and as dishonest as Pinocchio. Every penny is a cherished possession to him, as he hoards his wealth with relentless fervor. His dishonesty rivals that of Iago from Shakespeare's "Othello", as he spins deceitful webs that entangle those unfortunate enough to cross his path. Just like Pandora's box, every interaction with Mr. Finchley is an unpredictable and treacherous experience, where he pulls the strings of manipulation with false sincerity.
Use the excerpt from a letter to answer the prompt.
The current state of Castle Park is a disgrace to our community. Ten years ago, community groups came together to give our children a safe place to play. Today, the wooden structure rots, the chains on the swing set rust, and garbage covers the ground. The city government refuses to take responsibility for restoring the structure, yet it will not allow concerned citizens to make their own repairs. Our children deserve a safe, clean, functional play space. The city council’s inaction has turned a gem of the park system into yet another public junkyard.
In 3–5 sentences, identify and explain words in the letter that create a negative tone. Support your answer with details from the text.
A character that is stingy with money and dishonest can be described as someone embodying traits similar to both Scrooge and Pinocchio. This character could be portrayed as having the strong miserly nature of Scrooge, refusing to spend even a penny for the benefit of others. Additionally, they could have a Pinocchio-like tendency to lie and deceive, using their dishonesty to further their own selfish gains. These allusions highlight the character's extreme greed and lack of morality, creating a figure with a deep-rooted desire to hoard wealth and manipulate those around them.
A suitable allusion for a character that is stingy with money and dishonest can be Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Similar to Scrooge, this character is defined by their relentless pursuit of wealth at the expense of others, refusing to part with even a penny. Another suitable allusion is Pinocchio, the famous wooden puppet known for his dishonesty. This character, just like Pinocchio, is prone to telling lies and manipulating others for personal gain. Together, these allusions create a vivid portrayal of a character who embodies both stinginess and deceit.
To answer this question on your own, start by considering well-known literary or cultural figures who exhibit similar traits. From there, select specific examples or moments that highlight their stinginess and dishonesty, drawing parallels to the desired character. This will help create a clear and compelling description, anchored by recognizable allusions.