ALL Crumbs from the Table of Joy Quotes

All quotes for Crumbs from the Table of Joy, for IGCSE English Literature 2023

How is Ernestine's character presented in the prologue of the book?

How is Ernestine's character presented in the prologue of the book?

Nottage portrays her character to be that of a narrator, speaking directly to Audience and breaking the 4th wall. She repeats the noun 'death' continuously to describe, already, the misery of her family and the impacts of her Mother's passing.

Describe Nottage's wider ideas and intentions in the prologue of the book.

• She tries to show the various impacts of death for the Black American Crump family in 1950. Death almost destroyed Godfrey Crump, made the family infamous and regretful but lastly causing them to move to Brooklyn.

• She also portrays the lack of freedom for Ernestine and Ermina, by the way in which music is allowed to be played in other homes but not the apartment of the Crumps. She portrays Godfrey to be so influenced by Father Divine, that he puts a strain on his own daughters.

Ernestine introduction quotes

'Her diction is crisp from practice and has the gentle inflections learned from her favourite screen actresses' "A basement apartment, kind of romantic, like a Parisian artist's flat"

Ernestine prologue quotes (to audience), based on her Mother's death and their impacts

"Death nearly crippled my father, slipping beneath the soles of his feet and taking away his ability to walk at will" "Death made him wail like a god-awful banshee" "Death made strangers take hold of our hands and recount endless stories of Mommy" "Death made us nauseous with regret" "Death brought us to Brooklyn"

Ernestine quotes based on school life and the white girls at Brooklyn

"Down home, smart meant you got homework done in time. Not so smart in... Brooklyn. They put Ermina back one grade" "They...them...the gals laughed at us the first day at school, with our country braids and simple dresses my mommy had sewn" "Our dresses were sewn with love, each stitch. But them, they couldn't appreciate it!" "Tomorrow we'll have nothing to talk about in school. Again, we will miss Amos 'n' Andy."

Ernestine quotes based on the cinema symbols and movies

'She sits down. She is swathed in the brilliant, blue flickering light from a motion-picture projector' "...until I sat in the cinema, The Fox, right smack between two white gals. Oh yes! (Looks from side to side.) Practically touching shoulders. And we all wept. Wept unabashedly" "I like going to the pictures" (to Gerte)

Ernestine quote to represent the characteristics of Brooklyn

"Brooklyn...everything you'd ever need not more than a few blocks away. Streets of jagged slate, pennies stuck in the crevices; I collected over ten cents one day. Still, it wasn't any place to live..."

Ernestine narration quotes to portray Father Divine

(Whispered to Audience) "Father Divine...Ever since Mommy passed on, he stands between us and our enjoyment" "Daddy discovered Father Divine when he was searching to cure the 'ailments of the heart', those terrible fits of mourning that set in."

Ernestine quote based on Brooklyn being a diverse and dangerous community

"Last night a madman went on a rampage in South Brooklyn, killed a Mohawk Indian and stabbed four others with a bread knife. We're staying in"

Quotes to represent a lack of freedom for their family/Ernestine wanting to break free from the restrictions of her father

'The music from another apartment is barely audible, taunting the girls with possibility' "We're locked inside awaiting word from Father Divine. The mailman is our deliverer" 'The radio can ever so faintly be heard through the walls' 'She reaches for Ernestine's hand. Ernestine is tempted to take it, but Godfrey gives her a look of condemnation'

Ernestine (audience) quote to show further lack of desire, happiness and freedom in Brooklyn

"There you have it! 'They white' - with those two words he can dismiss our wants, our desires, even our simplest pleasures. 'They white.'"

Ernestine quotes to present excitement/achievement/ambition, identity and her finding herself

"Look like that pattern for your graduation dress finally here" (to Ernestine from Ermina) "Expensive? What's that there?" (from Godfrey) "Mommy promised Ernie a graduation dress" "You graduating?" (from Godfrey) "You really gonna graduate?" (from Godfrey) 'The dressmaker's dummy prominently displays Ernestine's graduation dress, which is beginning to take shape' 'Ernestine stands in the spotlight wearing her white graduation dress' 'Look! Your favourite cake, three layers, custard filling' "I ain't following Lily" "I'm not Darling Angel, I'm Ernestine Crump, it says so on my diploma"

Ernestine quotes to show relationship with Aunt Lily

'Ernestine studies her aunt' 'Lily pinches Ernestine's buttocks' 'Aghast, Ernestine covers her breasts with her arms' (after Lily talks about her boobs) "I'm gonna go and see what's in the kitchen" (trying to get away from the awkward moment) 'Ernestine exits into the kitchen with her arms covering her breasts' "You really my mommy's sister? Lily nods. I don't see it" 'She and Ernestine dance the mambo' "She's sorry, Daddy. She's just tired" (about Lily) "You wanna lie down? Please, sister, wish ya would...Don't let Daddy find you this way"

Ernestine quotes to show prejudice and racial discrimination towards Gerte

"Oh God, did she have to be German?" "A cold bitter ***** laughing in our doorway" "She might as well be wearing a satin tuxedo and blowing smoke in our faces" "Mommy ain't even dead a year" "I don't want you here!" 'Ernestine reluctantly seizes Gerte's hand, giving it a hard shake'

Quotes to present a connection between Gerte and Ernestine

'Gerte and Ernestine exchange glances' Gerte - "Don't you have friends, Ernie?", "No, ma'm" "Maybe we can go together. Your father thinks we are similar. We both like the pictures. Yes?" (from Gerte) "Your dress is coming along very nicely. I was looking at the lace you bought and I think it's quite nice around the collar where the stitching is crooked' (from Gerte) "Yes ma'm" (fear/respect towards Gerte) "(snaps) Don't call me ma'm. It makes me feel uncomfortable"..."Yes, ma'm" "That's what Gerte says, what do you think?" (influenced by Gerte) to Lily "Ernestine, darling, would you fetch me a bowl?"

Ernestine, Act 1, scene 5 quotes

"(to audience) So Daddy disappeared, went off with just a jacket and a hat. He didn't even take his rubbers and it's gonna rain. It's gonna rain furiously for the next few days. That's all that will be talked about on the radio" "(to audience) The water backed up in the yard. What a sight, Lily in her high heels trying to clear the drain, too proud to ask any of the neighbours for help"

Ernestine (further) narration quotes

"Mr Levy gives us a quarter on the Sabbath to turn on the lights, the stove and of course his smacking-new television" "Brooklyn...Evenings; listening to Daddy weep, missing Mommy and staring at the radio" "Again, he's bought us off with cookies and shortcake (savouring the words)" "Something better is always on the horizon" "She'd talk constantly about 'a revolution' from the kitchen" (about Lily) "My essay was entitled "The coloured worker in the United States'" "I want to cry. I want to be dancing with Papo" "Whenever a good dose of reality is about to set in, Father Divine descends" "Ermina is discovering the language of the city" "Gerte has driven her to hopeless popularity...Victory and Virtue. The third 'V' got lost somewhere near Trenton along with Father Divine's Duesenberg" (about Ermina) "I can see the gals whispering about us, 'They communist, she father married a white lady'"

How does Nottage's portrayal of Ermina differ from Ernestine's character?

• She is the younger sister, so more immature.

• She isn't the narrator, so expresses her feelings more widely to audience.

• She's more brutally honest, defiant and quite feisty. Her quotes are mostly negative whereas Ernestine always tries to speak positively.

Ermina quotes to show sass/snappiness and a negative attitude to Brooklyn

'Ermina stands with her arms folded and her lips pursed in disgust' "If Parisian mean ugly" "So?" (Shrugs her shoulders and sticks out her buttocks defiantly.) 'Ermina rolls her eyes' "Least they clean, which is more than I can say for your tired bag of rags" "Back off, Ernie, your vibe ain't happening" "Little Miss Sassy. What's wrong with ya?" (from Ernestine to Ermina)

Ermina prologue quotes to portray violence regarding the white school girls at Brooklyn

'So Ermina fought like a wild animal' 'Ermina prepares herself for a fight' 'Ermina swings wildly in the air' 'Scratched and tore at their cashmere cardigans and matching skirts' 'She walked home with a handful of greasy relaxed hair' 'Ermina basks in triumph'

Ermina quote to show determination of freedom and breaking out from Godfrey's rules with Father Divine

"Well, could we at least go up to the Levy's to listen to the radio? They says so. We'd appreciate this moment all the more." "Again ruined by Father Divine" 'Ermina flips off the radio. Silence, except the distant music of "Some enchanted evening"'

Ermina stage direction quotes to show agitation/furiousness/annoyance/discomfort

'Ermina's leg shakes wildly, a nervous tic that is triggered when she becomes agitated' 'Ermina sits down and mopes, her legs shaking furiously' 'Ermina squirms in the chair' 'Lily presses the hot comb against the back of Ermina's hair. Ermina lets out a terrible wail' 'Lights rise on Ermina. Her leg shakes' 'Ermina's leg shakes violently"

Ermina quotes to show contentment for the letter from her sweetheart and a strong feeling for boys

"Look here! From home for me." (Takes a deep whiff of the envelope, then tucks it lovingly into her skirt) 'Ermina continues picking through the mail' (after Godfrey makes some rude remarks) "What kinda first name is Devout? What sorta boy is gonna wanna ask out a gal named Devout Mary?" "Hush now, I don't want the boys to think we too chummy" "If ya wasn't so prissy maybe a boy might want to give ya a smile or something. Why don't you go off to the pictures, you're cramping my space" (to Ernestine)

Ermina quotes to convey relationship with Aunt Lily

"Ermina!" (Shuts the door). After Lily mistakes her for Ernestine. "Don't know who you is. Can't be giving out loving to anybody that ask" Lily 'she chuckles to herself. Ermina gawks' 'Ermina giggles' (cheerfully) "I'll get it" "What about me? I want to do the mambo"

Ermina quotes to imply that she can't accept Gerte

"She white!" "Why? She won't be white if I sit down?" 'Ermina's legs begin to jerk uncontrollably' (in Gerte's presence) 'She a Nazi like Adolph Hitler?' (referring to the girls talking about her and Ernestine regarding Gerte) "LEAVE US ALONE, IT AIN'T OUR FAULT SHE WHITE" "Was you one of them Jew-hating Germans, them Nazis?" "It ain't normal for a white lady to be living in a house with coloured folks. She don't even cook right"

Ermina epilogue quote

"Let's go outside and sit on the stoop, watch all the white gals in their graduation dresses. Let's go to a movie, forgit about all this until tomorrow. Let's go down to Coney Island and pretend to ride the cyclone. Let's get some ice cream"

Ernestine and Ermina relationship quotes

'Ernestine and Ermina weep softly' (In the cinemas) 'Ermina joins Ernestine. They take each other's hands' Ernestine and Ermina - "Virtue, Victory and Virginity" 'The girls do not respond' (in the presence of Lily's introduction) 'Lily winks at the girls. They giggle' 'Ernestine and Ermina stare at Gerte' 'Ermina and Ernestine rush over to Godfrey's worn overcoat hanging over the chair. Ernestine pulls out a handful of cookies' Ermina and Ernestine - "Please, lord, forgive us for our sins..."

How do the characters of Ernestine and Ermina create an impact on other characters and events? What are Nottage's wider ideas and intentions when presenting their characters?

Ernestine makes the events more enjoyable to read as she describes things which audience can interpret as imagined. She represents further themes, e.g the whites receiving crumbs via the radio and the movies defining reality and hope. Ermina makes events more dramatic due to Nottage's portrayal of her harsh and brutal character. The way in which both sisters treat Gerte also signify the complexities of family relationships and the impact of race in 1950s America.

How is Godfrey's character presented in this book?

He is deeply religious and dedicated to Father Divine, burdened in sad grief, wanting to be unnoticed and quite fearful. He also uses his shoes as a source of pride for him.

Godfrey quotes to show religiousness and importance of Father Divine in his life

'Over the mantle hangs a huge photograph of Father Divine' "Philadelphia, my rosebud" (Takes a small pad out of his pocket and jots down notes) 'He places the notes in a box and shoves the box beneath his chair' (excited) "Well now, I's expecting the New Day paper and a little word from sweet father...(Earnestly) peace will come" "I don't know what question to ask Sweet Father first. I've planned this so long, I'm shaking"

Godfrey quotes to present grief, depression and having a strong desire to be unnoticed

'Daddy worked the late shift at a bakery downtown. He'd leave every night two hours after dinner, tip his hat to Father Divine and return the next morning as we'd rise to go to school' 'Death made him wail like a god-awful banshee' 'Godfrey begins to weep loudly'

Godfrey quotes to represent fearfulness, awkwardness and discomfort around women

'Lily laughs. Godfrey laughs with discomfort' 'He stiffens awkwardly, uncomfortable with the display of affection' (hushed) "Whole school thinks I'm a communist" "Have I done something wrong?" 'Godfrey moves away' 'Godfrey does not respond'

Quotes to show importance of shoes for Godfrey, which is seen as his pride

'...shining his shoes; for him, it is an act of love performed with meticulous care' 'Godfrey peers down at his perfectly shined shoes' "I must admit they sure do have a fine shine" (From Lily) "Love, a man like him, shine his shoes more than he talks to his own family" 'Lights rise on Godfrey shining his shoes in the living room'

Godfrey quotes to show control and strictness over his daughters, as well as his relationship with them

"(Sing-song) GOT SOMETHING IN MY POCKET FOR MY BABIES!" "I told you about staring, Darling" (to Ernestine) "Ain't listening" (to Ermina) "I ain't doing this 'cause I like to, I'm doing this 'cause I got to" 'She reaches for Ernestine's hand. Ernestine is tempted to take it, but Godfrey gives her a look of condemnation' "ERNESTINE, ERMINA! You heard what I said. GO!" 'He grabs his daughters' arms and shoves them into the bedroom' "NOT IN FRONT OF THEM, YOU DON'T!" (to Lily, but referring to his daughters as 'them')

Godfrey quote to show racism

"There we go, a colored man and a white lady trying to get from one place to another. Minding our own business - " (when he was attacked by people for interracial marriage, but Gerte was not)

Godfrey epilogue quotes

"I hope you don't mind if I take that diploma down to the job with me, I want to show it off to the boys" 'Godfrey smiles gloriously' "I'm offering you something wonderful, Ernie" "Forget about Lily, you follow her you know what you'll be taking on"

How is the character of Lily Ann 'Sister' Green presented in this book? (Act 1, scene 2 especially)

• Modern, classy and fashionable.

• Talkative, bold and unafraid to express her feelings.

• Is very 2 sided: despite her strong language, she can also be committed, soft and sensible, especially when the topic turns to her dead sister.

• Fun-free thinking and talks about an idea of a revolution, although the truth is that she likes to drink, smoke and party.

Lily quotes to show that she is modern, classy and fashionable

'A smartly tailored suit and sparkling white gloves' 'Her hat is cocked to the side' 'Thick rimmed bebop sunglasses popular at the time' 'Smart looking and posture straight'

Lily quotes to show that she is honest, talkative and unafraid (idea of wanting to break down racial discrimination)

'She is a nonconformist, a "dangerous woman"' 'The first coloured woman we'd seen dressed up like a white lady' "Didn't you hear me ringing the bell, nearly froze my ass out there" "Well somebody had to break the barrier, let those white boys know we saying what we please" "To spite those white gals. You know how they hate to see a Negro woman look better than they do" "You ole alligator bait. But don't you look...good, Daddy"

Lily quotes to show her 2 sided personally - soft, kind and respectful

'Suddenly sober' 'Takes off her hat' 'She covers her eyes, whimpers, then recovers her composure' "I'm sorry. I couldn't make it down for the funeral" "My heart was there with ya'll" "Chile, don't go out your way. I ain't that hungry (a beat.) Whatever you got will be fine" (clearly lying as she is hungry but is willing to eat anything available).

Lily quotes to imply a sexual past relationship with Godfrey

(flirtatiously) "Well now! That tongue still got a taste of honey" 'Godfrey looks away from Lily, who smiles seductively' "Don't get bashful on me. Gals, me and your daddy go back to - " "Don't tell me you've given up everything? Everything? Hell, I'm surprised" 'Lily smiles seductively'

Lily quotes implying her trying to lead the role of a mother in the Crumps' home

"Thank you, sweet thing" (after Ermina does her a favour) "She looks just like Sandra. Don't she?" "Just like Mommy used to do" (from Ernestine)

Lily quotes to portray bad habits - drinking, smoking etc

'She smokes a cigarette' 'Lily takes out a tissue, spits into it and extinguishes her cigarette' 'Lights up another cigarette as she takes a perfunctory look about the apartment' "What you got to sip on? I need a drink" (Godfrey) "we don't keep liquor in this house". 'Lily bursts into laughter' "Gimme a drink, will ya, goddammit!" "I'm drunk" "I didn't drink here. I drank before I got here" 'Gerte and Ernestine watch Lily self-consciously wipe the glass and pour herself a generous glass of whiskey'

Lily quotes to show disrespect/unkindness/racism towards Gerte

"You want some Gertie" (nickname conveys mocking) "You gotta cigarette, Gertie?" "That's very helpful of you. But nobody wants to hire a smart coloured woman" "Well, when I see ya, I see a white woman, and when I look in the mirror, I see a negro woman" "Don't lecture me about race. You are the last person on earth I'd look to for guidance" "You're not a servant and I didn't hear her say 'please'" (to Ernestine about Gerte), is quite hypocritical. "Look at Gerte, she dresses like a girl without a figure" Ernestine (whispered) "You hate her, don't you?" To Lily "Who?...I don't think about her enough to hate her"

Lily quotes to show confidence, independence and that she's tactile and loud

"Ernestine, you better not leave this room without giving your aunt some sugar" 'Lily pinches Ernestine's buttocks' "And look at those boobies! Bigger than mine and ya how old?" 'Lily shimmies, shaking her shoulders and breasts' 'Lily swings her arms around Ermina' "You act like I'm saying dirty words. Worker! Revolution! Proletariat! There! Christian!" "Besides, I never plan to marry" "I'm exerting my own will" "Oh! YOU STILL UP!" "WHY YA UP SO LATE?" "I hate your Sweet Father"

Lily and Godfrey relationship quotes

(Tentatively). "Now, Godfrey, ain't you got words for me?" "Sister Lily? Sister Lily Ann Green? (from Godfrey) "Who else? Never thought you'd bring your country ass on up here" "You ole alligator bait. But don't you look...good, Daddy" Ain't heard no words from you since...since...Well". (Bows his head, unable to continue) 'Lily walks over and embraces Godfrey. He stiffens awkwardly, uncomfortable with the display of affection' "Lawd, I've gotten so used to seeing strangers, barely know what to do with a familiar face" (from Godfrey) "You're looking...smart, Sister Lily" 'Lily continues to laugh. Godfrey is horrified' "Don't change the subject on me" (from Godfrey) 'Godfrey takes Lily's arm to lead her to the couch' "A sorry pair of shoes and an apartment barely fit for human beings" (to Godfrey)

Lily quote portraying a similarity to Godfrey

"We're at war, babies" (says babies to girls just like how Godfrey does)

Lily quotes based on religion

"Breathe, breathe. There you go. God won't strike you down for relaxing" You really a Christian? (She peers at the portrait of Father Divine.) Oh, I see, the Peace Mission, Father Divine. He still alive and playing God?" 'Lily straightens her clothing' (after Godfrey goes on about the importance of Father Divine, implies that she doesn't really care) "I'm touched, Mr Crump" (after Godfrey goes on about Father Divine) sarcasm. "This communism thing a bit frightening to this young one" "Ain't no more frightening than Jim Crow. I said 'peace'. "Oh and I thought it was something really interesting" (after Godfrey explains to her his questions for Father Divine) 'Lily makes a show of sitting down to read the essay' "Last time I wore white was to my baptism, and ask me whether I still believe in God" "Godfrey....You a communist. You trouble's guide"

Lily further quote to portray her attitude to religion

"Lily said God was given to us by a government bent on pacifying the masses with religion. And now Gerte had gone one step further and threatened to take our God completely away" (from Ernestine)

Lily quote to show that racial prejudice cannot change

"You can't put up curtains and pot plants and have things change"

How does Nottage's portrayal of Lily make the play important? What are Nottage's wider ideas and intentions here?

Her character, who is independent without a husband, is political and wants change. She tries to stand out amongst all other black Americans in 1950, by dressing up like a white, being smart and expressing her feelings widely. Nottage's ideas are to convey the breaking down of racial discrimination through the character of Lily.

How does Nottage portray Gerte's character?

• She is a white German woman whom Godfrey meets in act one, scene 5.

• She is a smart woman, just like a Lily with her posture and looks.

• Despite being white and Nottage's ideas of racial discrimination earlier on in the play, she's a very kind woman and treats the 2 girls with so much respect; they struggle to accept her just because she's a German white.

Quotes to show a nice first impression of Gerte and that she is naive

'Gerte has the posture of a film star and the waning beauty of a showgirl' 'Gerte laughs at her mistake' "Have I done something wrong?" (to Godfrey) "I am so glad you spoke to me"

Quotes to show Gerte's desperation and impacts of world war 2

'Gerte returns to her seat and begins to weep' 'Godfrey hands her a cookie. She greedily stuffs it in her mouth' "May I have another?" "These are good...Your wife make?" "Please, may I have another cookie?" "I nearly starved to death after the war, I know quite a bit about pain"

Gerte quotes to convey self-consciousness and a naive personality

"Do you mind if I talk with you?" "Sorry...I'll stop talking to you" "May I follow you? I am sorry. I shouldn't have asked" 'Gerte self-consciously checks to make sure all of her clothing is in order' 'Gerte tries to straighten her clothing. She takes a quick sniff of her underarms, then returns to sitting quietly" "Persnickety"..."what is this word?"

Gerte quotes to convey her kindness and joyfulness with the 2 sisters

'Gerte, wearing a haggard smile, steps into the apartment carrying a suitcase' "I'm very pleased to meet you. I'm sure we will get on fondly. I've heard charming stories about you both" "Devout, you are as pretty as your father said, and Darling, congratulations are in order for completing your studies this coming summer" "It is a lovely apartment" "Your dress is coming along very nicely" "I'm not horrible, really" "What a shame, it's a lovely radio" "Lace is a lovely touch" (agreeing with Ernestine), shows the subtle connection between them both.

Gerte quotes to portray an amazing personality - happy, joyful and positive

'Gerte lets out a deep belly laugh' "I told you not to make me laugh" 'Gerte continues to laugh heartily, without taking a breath for air'

Gerte quotes to show no racial discrimination - she sees no colour, but only the characters' personalities

"When I see you I see no colour. I see Lily" (she lights a cigarette) "Such a pretty girl shouldn't wear a sour face" (to Ermina)

Gerte quote in attempt to take on a motherly role in the Crump's house

'Gerte swept the stoop every day at four'

Gerte sarcasm quote

(sarcastically) "Just how is your 'revolution'? Working hard? You're spending a lot of time up at the headquarters in Harlem. Where is it exactly?" (To Lily)

Gerte Act 2, scene 3 quotes

"GODFREY! (shaken and angry; to Ernestine) I told him not to speak. Please do not answer them Godfrey" "I did not ask them to speak" "Stupid men! You're beyond that, Godfrey. What do they know about us." "So where are the warriors in your revolution now? Why don't they help us?" "Why can't they let us alone? What did we do?" "Your head, you need some ice. I'll get." 'Lily tends to Godfrey's eye. Gerte tries to take over from Lily' 'Gerte goes to comfort Godfrey'

Gerte and Lily relationship quotes (happy relationship towards end of play)

"Do you want a drink?" (From Lily), Gerte stops short, (surprised) "Thank you" 'Lily passes her glass to Gerte. Gerte knocks the drink back' 'Gerte refrains from making eye contact with Lily' (Gerte) "I should go to sleep, really. Good night" 'As she leaves, she touches Lily's shoulder'

Quotes towards end of play to convey happiness, family joy and freedom

'Godfrey scrambles to retrieve the pieces of torn paper. In the midst of the struggle, they recognise the absurdity and begin to laugh as they throw the papers in the air' 'Laughter fills the stage. Gerte kisses Godfrey's wound' Ernestine to audience: "Showered in my father's uncertainty, no more questions unanswered" 'Suddenly, blue, flickering light engulfs Godfrey and Gerte, who kiss passionately, like film stars' Ernestine to audience: "We'd recovered my father from Divine, only to lose him to passion"

What happens towards the end of the play? (main ideas from Nottage)

• Lily and Gerte finally get along, and the family begin to accept her.

• Gerte is married to Godfrey.

• Godfrey breaks free from the rules of Father Divine, and provides joy to the girls at last.

• Lily dies.

• Ernestine achieves her ambition (graduation dress, three-layered custard filling cake, refusal of working at the bakery).

• Ermina gets married and becomes pregnant.