Answers to the Scrooge's Bah! Humbug! Quiz

December 13, 2012

So, how well do you know A Christmas Carol?

Let's find out. Here are the answers to Scrooge's Bah! Humbug! Quiz:

Q) What year did Charles Dickens write A Christmas Carol?

A) Dickens penned his classic holiday tale in 1843 and is credited with saving Christmas in the Victorian era. Seems the English had become rather "Scroogy" and didn't take off much time to celebrate any holiday, let alone Christmas. We didn't know Wal-Mart was around back then.

Q) In what did Scrooge say, "Every idiot who goes about with 'Merry Christmas' on his lips" should be boiled in?

A) Although we vote for wassail with an extra shot of brandy, Scrooge's choice was "his own pudding."

Q) What was Bob Cratchit's weekly wage?

A) He was paid 15 bob. We're not sure that's enough to qualify the Cratchit family to be in the 99 percent.

Q) Where did Scrooge eat his dinner on Christmas Eve?

A) Although he has been portrayed as eating lukewarm soup at home in the near dark, he actually took dinner in "his usual melancholy tavern." In other words, a 19th century version of Applebee's.

Q) What was Jacob Marley doomed to drag throughout all eternity as a punishment for his greed and uncaring attitude in life?

A) He was forced to drag ledgers, cash boxes, heavy purses, padlocks, and keys wrought of heavy steel. That's some serious bling!

Q) How many years has it been since Jacob Marley died?

A) It's been seven years that very night. This could so easily become a holiday zombie story.

Q) What is the name of Scrooge and Marley's first boss?

A) Mr. Fezziwig. In Victorian illustrations, Fezziwig is portrayed as a pre-diet Richard Simmons dancing at the company Christmas party. Puts a new twist on "sweatin' to the oldies," doesn't it?

Q) Why does Belle refuse to marry Scrooge?

A) They no longer share the same values. This Belle isn't falling for this Beast.

Q) What happens to the Ghost of Christmas Present as the night advances?

A) He ages. Since he only has one day, the Ghost of Christmas Present gets older as the day progresses. Too bad plastic surgery and Botox weren't available back then.

Q) What game is Scrooge's nephew Fred playing with his guests when Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Present drop by?

A) "It was a Game called Yes and No, where Scrooge's nephew had to think of something, and the rest must find out what; he only answering to their questions yes or no, as the case was." And you thought Angry Birds was the best game, ever!

Q) Name the twins introduced by the Ghost of Christmas Present.

A) Ignorance and Want. Please, no Kardashian or Honey Boo jokes.

Q) What trade is Bob Cratchit's daughter, Martha, apprenticing?

A) She is training to be a milliner. Hats off to her!

Q) How many brothers does the Ghost of Christmas Present say he has?

A) 1842. Refer to Question 1 of the quiz, and then do the math.

Q) Who steals items from Scrooge's bedroom after his death?

A) The charwoman. She sells the stuff to Old Joe, a local fence. Good help is always hard to find.

Q) What Christmas spirit takes Scrooge out to a ship at sea?

A) The Ghost of Christmas Present. This guy knows how to have a good time.

Q) Which Christmas Spirit refuses to speak to Scrooge?

A) The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. He's the quiet, creepy type.

Q) On Christmas morning, how much does Scrooge offer the young boy if he brings back a prize turkey from the butcher shop quickly?

A) Half-a-crown if he gets back in less than five minutes. Slow down, Scrooge! You're not in Vegas.

Q) What object does Scrooge declare, "I will love it, as long as I live?"

A) The door knocker where Marley's face first appeared on Christmas Eve. Today, a door knocker. Tomorrow, actual people.

Q) How many minutes is Bob Cratchit late to work on Christmas morning?

A) 18 1/2 minutes. Not that anybody is counting.

Q) What character delivers the famous line, "God bless us, every one?"

A) Tiny Tim, of course. Leave it to the kid to have the best line.

So, we'll leave you with the words of Tiny Tim and add a few of our own.

The Kearney Branch wishes you a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Sara PD
Kearney Branch