ACT 1, SCENE 2

Crumbs from the Table of Joy

By Theresa Liang, Melisa Peto and Adrian

Maison 10A1
INTRODUCTION

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 SUMMARY OF THE SCENE

In this scene, Lily's arrival sparks playful banter and highlights her
eccentric country origins. Her teasing relationship with Godfrey is
established, and Ernestine's admiration and curiosity about their familial
connection are evident. The scene sets up character dynamics and hints
at the conflicts that will unfold in the play.
 KEY QUOTES
"That ain't how I meant it." - the tension between Lily and Godfrey, indicating that their
relationship is strained or complicated. It suggests that there may be unresolved issues or past
conflicts between them.

"Prescience is what carried me up here. Prescience, my dear chile." - Lily's statement about
prescience running deep through their African veins brings attention to the theme of heritage
and ancestry. It suggests a belief in ancestral knowledge and intuition, which is significant in
understanding Lily's character and worldview.

"My life, darling, and when ya look at it in those terms them bags ain't that heavy. Are they
now?" - This quote speaks to Lily's resilience and non-materialistic nature. It symbolizes her
ability to carry the weight of her experiences and challenges, suggesting that she has faced
hardships in her life and is determined to endure.
 CHARACTERS ANALYSIS

Lily Ann Green:

Godfrey Crump:
Lily's speech and actions reveal her flirtatious and
Godfrey Crump experiences initial shock upon seeing Lily,
provocative nature, teasing Godfrey and making
warms up to her, discusses religious transformation and
inappropriate comments to Ernestine. Her thoughts and
Father Divine, all while showing surprise, curiosity,
emotions are mysterious, shifting between discussing
defensiveness, and later, relaxation. He welcomes Lily,
etymology and communism, and she exudes confidence and
offers her a seat, and engages in a conversation about
playfulness while asserting her presence in the household.
religion and communism. His religious transformation and
Though her physical appearance isn't detailed, her stylish
Father Divine's influence are notable character traits.
attire complements her provocative behavior.

Ermina:
Ermina has limited dialogue in this scene, as she's
unfamiliar with Lily. She experiences uncertainty and
curiosity, sharing some of Ernie's discomfort about
this new person. Her physical appearance and age
aren't detailed in the summary.
 KEY QUOTES
“Ya like my suit? (Ernestine nods.) I bought it on Fifth Avenue,
sure did, to spite those white gals. You know how they hate
to see a Negro woman look better than they do. It’s my own
little subversive mission to out dress them whenever
possible. Envy is my secret weapon, babies. If ya learn Go on say it, tongue won’t fall out. The communist party, amongst
anything from your Auntie let it be that.” other things. (Ermina giggles.) Oh you find that funny? (Earnestly.)
I ain’t laughing. I suppose ya happy with what you got, a bit of
Lily's Fifth Avenue suit symbolizes empowerment and resistance nothing.
against racial prejudice, inspiring her nieces to embrace self-
confidence, challenge norms, and break stereotypes with envy,
Lily's straightforward question about Godfrey's Communist Party
reflecting the play's theme of empowerment and defiance.
affiliation surprises Ermina, who isn't accustomed to such open
political discussions. This reflects Lily's progressive outlook
compared to the others' limited political exposure.
LANGUAGE ANALYSIS/LITERARY
DEVICES.
Dialogue: The dialogue between the characters reveals their relationships,
emotions, and attitudes. It adds depth to their interactions and helps to develop
their individual voices.

Colloquial Language: The use of colloquial language, such as "ain't," "gals," and
"ya," adds authenticity to the characters' speech and reflects their cultural
background and regional dialect.

Imagery: The author uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of Lily's appearance
and demeanor. The details of her outfit, accessories, and gestures help to bring her
character to life and make her memorable
 MESSAGE
ANALYSIS.
The message of the scene is to encourage
self-discovery and the pursuit of personal
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 THEME ANALYSIS.
theme
Family bonds and reunions are central, highlighting the
importance of reconnecting with loved ones. The theme of
racism is alluded to in the context of the ere that was in 1950.
key quotes

“These stockings, thank God for 'em, just ain't no competition for this weather." -
This quote highlights Lily nonconformity and defiance of societal norms, as she
comments on her attire in the challenging weather. It reflects the theme of
individuality and nonconformity.

"I ain't gonna bore you with the details. I'll leave it at that." - Lily's statement about
not wanting to discuss her new career as an "etymologist" reflects the theme of
adaptation to change and her willingness to embrace new challenges without delving
into specifics.
 CONCLUSION
In conclusion , Act 1, Scene 2 in "Crumbs of the Table of Joy"
marks a turning point as a new character's arrival disrupts the
family dynamic. Their boldness challenges traditional beliefs,
sparking conversations about politics and empowerment. This
dynamic interaction unveils themes of resistance and the
universal search for meaning in life. The scene sets the stage
for future conflicts, providing a platform to explore broader
themes of race, class, and evolving family dynamics in a
changing world. It's a pivotal moment in the play, shaping the
narrative and character development.