Question

look at each quote, and then write what you think each quote means. the first one is done for you.
quote: \i cant afford to make idle people merry\
meaning: scrooge feels that the poor have no money because they are lazy and that he cannot afford to help them – something which we know to be untrue.
your answer
look at each quote, and then write what you think each quote means.
\– they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.\
your answer

Explanation:

For the quote "they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population", this reflects Scrooge's callous view. He sees the poor as a "surplus" and implies they should die (e.g., through lack of help) to reduce their numbers, showing his indifference to their suffering and belief they're expendable.

Answer:

Meaning: Scrooge holds a cruel, dismissive view of the poor. He suggests they should "do it" (likely die or suffer) to reduce the "surplus population", treating them as a burden to be eliminated rather than people worthy of help.