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Ermina's AND Godfrey's Character

Ermina's character in "Crumbs from the Table of Joy" is revealed through her use of formal versus informal language depending on the situation, symbolizing her internal conflict between ambitions and upbringing. Key moments like monologues provide insight into her desires to escape her circumstances and struggles within her family. The title of the play is also a powerful symbol of Ermina's yearning for a better life. Through techniques like dialogue, symbolism, and introspective monologues, the play allows audiences to connect with Ermina and understand her aspirations and the social context of her story.

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AYAAN MUFAZZAL KAPADIA
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179 views

Ermina's AND Godfrey's Character

Ermina's character in "Crumbs from the Table of Joy" is revealed through her use of formal versus informal language depending on the situation, symbolizing her internal conflict between ambitions and upbringing. Key moments like monologues provide insight into her desires to escape her circumstances and struggles within her family. The title of the play is also a powerful symbol of Ermina's yearning for a better life. Through techniques like dialogue, symbolism, and introspective monologues, the play allows audiences to connect with Ermina and understand her aspirations and the social context of her story.

Uploaded by

AYAAN MUFAZZAL KAPADIA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ERMINA’S CHARACTER

1. Dialogue and Diction: Ermina's character in "Crumbs from the Table of Joy" is brought to life
through her speech and chosen words. Her language is more formal and elevated when she
discusses her ambitions, showcasing her desire to escape her current situation. On the other
hand, her conversations with her family are filled with familiar slang and expressions, reflecting
her connection to her roots. This contrast in her dialogue illustrates the internal conflict she
faces between her dreams and her upbringing.

2. Symbolism: The title "crumbs from the table of joy" is a powerful symbol in the play. It
symbolises Ermina's yearning for a better life and represents her aspirations. The "crumbs"
represent the small opportunities she hopes to seize, while the more significant "table of joy"
signifies a life of abundance and success. This symbol underscores Ermina's determination to
escape her current circumstances and draws attention to the inequality and challenges faced by
people like her during that time.

3. Monologue and Soliloquy: Monologues and soliloquies provide insights into Ermina's inner
world. These moments allow her to express her thoughts, desires, and frustrations directly to the
audience. Through her monologues, the audience understands her complex character and the
motivations that drive her actions. Her reflections on her past, her hopes for the future, and her
struggles within her family paint a more complete picture of who she is as a person.

Using techniques like dialogue and diction, symbolism, and moments of introspection through
monologues, Lynn Nottage skillfully portrays Ermina's character in "Crumbs from the Table of
Joy." This approach allows the audience to connect with Ermina personally, empathise with her
aspirations, and grasp the broader social and cultural context in which her story unfolds.

1. Characterization involves revealing a character's personality, beliefs, and motivations. In


"Crumbs from the Table of Joy," Godfrey is characterised as a complex individual with distinct
traits:
● Direct Characterization: The play often directly provides information about Godfrey's
character through dialogue and actions. For example, his progressive and liberal beliefs
are evident in his involvement with the Communist Party and interracial marriage.
● Indirect Characterization: Godfrey's personality is also revealed indirectly through the
reactions and perceptions of other characters. His daughters, Ernestine and Ermina,
initially see him as a symbol of hope after the death of their mother, but they later begin
to understand his flaws and complexities.
2. Symbolism: Symbolism is a literary technique where objects, actions, or characters
represent deeper meanings. Godfrey's character can be analysed symbolically in the context of
the play:
● Godfrey as a Symbol of Change: Godfrey's involvement with the Communist Party and
his support for racial equality symbolise the societal changes during the 1950s. He
represents the shifting social and political landscape, highlighting the contrast between
his ideals and the conservative attitudes of the time.
3. Foil: A foil is a character who contrasts with another character to emphasise their differences.
In "Crumbs from the Table of Joy," Godfrey can be considered a foil to his daughter Ernestine:
● Godfrey vs. Ernestine: Godfrey's open-mindedness and pursuit of social justice
contrast with Ernestine's scepticism and resistance to change. Their differing viewpoints
create tension and allow the audience to see different perspectives on the issues raised
in the play.
● Generational Differences: The contrast between Godfrey and Ernestine also highlights
the generational divide. Godfrey's experiences as an African-American man living
through significant societal changes differ from Ernestine's perspectives as a young
woman navigating these changes.
In "Crumbs from the Table of Joy," Godfrey's character is multi-faceted, representing themes of
social change, generational differences, and individual growth. Using characterisation,
symbolism, and the foil technique helps the audience understand his role in the narrative and
the play's broader themes.

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