What A Cream Cracker Under The Settee Essay Example

of elderly individuals, such as their resistance to change, as seen in her reluctance to move to Stafford House. The story also portrays older people as stubborn, exemplified by the Doris/Zulema conflict.

Alan Bennett portrays the idea that old people, like Doris, lack contribution to society, but she does not agree. Reminiscing on past memories is a prevalent trait in the elderly, as exemplified by Doris. The monologue's setting is unremarkable, lacking significant attributes except for the passing police officer. Presumably, Doris resides in a lower-class suburban area, with her flat remaining unchanged from her years of inhabiting it. Other flats nearby have remained the same, but former residents have moved away, causing Doris to feel left behind.

The reason for her isolation is not caring about her neighbors like she used to and being hesitant to adjust to change due to feeling too old. Alan Bennett presents all information equally without any emphasis on importance. Wilfred is brought up when she sees his photo, and the memory of the miscarriage resurfaces when she sees a pram.

In the monologue, the cracker plays a significant role beyond its titular mention. Discovering the cracker under the settee sheds light on Zulema's negligent cleaning practices, which is the root of their conflict. Doris views the presence of the cream cracker as a form of intimidation towards Zulema, possibly resulting in her termination. By consuming the cream cracker, Doris compromises her value of hygiene, and it becomes a symbol of surrender as she consumes it just before her death. As the story progresses, Doris physically transitions from the chair to the floor after her fall and ultimately to the door

downstairs. Initially, she is confident while seated on the settee and expresses her grievances about Zulema in a casual rant.

As she moves, she becomes increasingly vulnerable and reveals her deeper fears and memories. During her movements, she stumbles upon a cream cracker and concocts a fantasy about using it to get Zulema fired. She then discusses her experience with a miscarriage and her apprehensions towards Stafford House, where she claims they 'mess up your teeth' and everyone reeks of urine. Ultimately, Doris decides to let go of her life. Notably, when speaking, she tends to quote others.

When discussing Zulema, Doris cites her statement, "Do not attempt to dust. The dusting is my department." This phrase is also used by Doris when referring to Wilfred, saying "When I get a minute, Doris." Additionally, Doris employs slang in her language, such as when she says "some leaves coming down now," instead of the grammatically correct "There are some leaves coming down now."

Zulema communicates with Doris in brief, forceful statements, such as "You are a lady of leisure. Your dusting days are over." Bennett employs this technique to differentiate his characters and give them distinct personalities, as seen when Zulema expresses satisfaction at the departure of another person by remarking, "I was glad when she'd gone, dictating."

In her language, Doris employs two distinct meanings for the phrases she uses when referring to old names that are seldom used. She refers to herself as a worthless name, Doris, and asserts that such names have no use and "belong in Stafford House." Employing a monologue allows the writer to showcase the protagonist's thoughts and focus more intently on

Doris's character. This format enables the audience to see things from her precise perspective and experience her emotions more deeply, as she communicates directly with them. While this monologue is a well-crafted piece of drama, the singular focus on Doris and her troubles can become tiresome for the audience within just twenty minutes.

It would have been better if there had been more characters and a richer setting to divert attention from Doris.