Crumbs From the Table of Joy

Since Ernestine is the narrator of the play, the action is filtered through her memories. Is she a reliable narrator? Why or why not? Use examples from the text to support your argument.

Research the Communist Party in the first half of the 20th century in the United States, including their initiatives for Black Civil rights. What are some of the positive aspects of the Party, and how did the US government suppress communism in America? How does the play depict communism?

Imagine that you are a part of a contemporary production of Crumbs. What does the audience need to know about historical events, background, or social issues to fully understand the play? How would you communicate these things to the audience?

Research the state of Black rights and racism in the 1950s in both Florida and New York. How would you describe the culture shift that all three Crumps experienced with the move? How would Godfrey’s marriage to Gerte have been treated in either place?

Throughout the play, Gerte talks about her background, from growing up in Germany to surviving the war and traveling to the United States. Follow her descriptions and construct a history for Gerte. How does this history lead her to join the Crump family as Godfrey’s wife? How is she different from Lily, the other woman contending for Godfrey’s love?

When Ernestine goes to Harlem, she uncovers Lily’s lie about spending time at a bar when she claimed to be going to the communist headquarters. Trace Lily’s claims about herself throughout the play. Which are likely true, and which are lies? Is it always clear?

What is the importance of clothing to each character? Choose one article of clothing and explain how it functions in the narrative.

What does Father Divine represent to Godfrey and the rest of the family? Research the real International Peace Mission movement. Why would they appeal to Godfrey? How does Godfrey’s relationship with the Peace Mission change over the course of the play?