Crumbs From the Table of Joy

Consider the title of the play. What is the significance of crumbs to the characters? What are some instances when they must settle for crumbs? When do they get to eat at 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?