DL048: Archie – Bankrupt 4: Connections

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The Unwitting Charity Case

When Fred hurries down to the corner store for party snacks, he experiences what it is like to be a charity case (「仁愛案件」，貧寒人家) – someone you do a favor for out of pity. But he doesn’t really know what’s going on. Mr. Pringle, the shop owner offers him credit at his store, something Fred feels no need for. But Pringle’s kind intentions come with strings attached (有附帶條件的援助). Mr. Pringle judges Fred — he thinks Fred is being irresponsible with the little money he has, spending it on things that are not necessities. Fred, who does not view himself as poverty-stricken, cannot understand Pringle’s behavior or the conversation they have.

Relying on Favors

When Archie gets to Veronica’s house, he is shocked to discover that his family troubles are not private. However, as the daughter of the richest man in Riverdale, Veronica is one of Archie’s best connections (關係). Who better to ask for a favor? Archie uses this relationship to get his dad a job. Veronica is happy to do Archie a favor — it will make her family look good, and Archie will ‘owe her one‘ (欠情) in the future. Most likely, for Veronica that means he will feel bound to her and have to forget about his other love interest, Betty. What Archie doesn’t seem to realize is that Mr. Lodge doesn’t especially want him hanging around with his daughter. He‘ll really only be helping the Andrews to keep Veronica happy.

What do you think?

Mr. Pringle wants to help Fred out. He lets him use credit instead of cash. At the same time, he wants to control what Fred buys. Is that right? Would you do the same thing? For instance, you see a homeless person on the street and you want to help them, but what if they spend the money you give them on alcohol and cigarettes and not on food? If you gave them the money, do you have the right to say how it gets spent? Please, leave a comment below.