Synthesized answer
Based solely on the provided passages, the power dynamics between Mr. Crusty and Sophy are complex and shift throughout their interactions. Mr. Crusty initially asserts his authority as the master of the house, giving direct orders and physically hurrying Sophy toward the door [1]. However, Sophy directly defies him, refusing to bring him the turkey and duck and insisting he must have only tea and toast [1]. When Mr. Crusty demands, "Who says 'can't' to me?", Sophy responds with a low curtsey but firmly states, "I say it; and for sufficient reasons" [1], demonstrating a clear act of defiance despite the formal gesture of respect.
Sophy's responses imply she has significant agency within the household, particularly regarding the management of food and the master's diet. She has the power to decide what Mr. Crusty will eat, and she exercises it against his explicit wishes [1][4]. Furthermore, in the matter of her marriage, Sophy shows she is not a passive object. When asked if Dick is her lover, she says, "I say nothing" [2], and later frames her consent to marriage as a transaction that benefits her: "If you want to get rid of me, Mr. Crusty, I am only too happy that Dick is ready…
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
Nothing for me! Where's the turkey roasted yesterday! Where's that canvas-back duck the widow Simpkins sent over to me? I hate to receive her gifts, but for this time I will thank her heartily. Go! bring up my dinner. Do n't delay a moment. [ putting his hand on her shoulder, and hurrying her toward the door. ] Sophy stops at the door, and, turning round, says: ] You can't have the turkey, nor the duck. You must diet for tonight, any how. Mr. Crusty . I will have it! Sophy . You can't have it! Mr. Crusty . Who says 'can't' to me? Sophy , [ with a low curtsey ,] I say it; and for sufficient…
o a-sleigh-riding, ask his leave. Enter Mr. Crusty . Mr. Crusty . How now, Dick? What are you doing here? Dick , [ bows. ] I came to ask your permission for Sophy to go out on a sleigh-ride with me. Mr. Crusty . And what have you to say to it, my young gal? Sophy . Please do n't call me gal, Sir. Call me Sophy. Mr. Crusty . That's no answer to my question. Tell me, gal, is this young man your lover? Sophy . He says he is. Mr. Crusty . And what do you say? Sophy . I say nothing. Mr. Crusty . Nothing! What right has he to ask me this permission in your presence without your leave? Sophy . He…
Sophy . If you want to get rid of me, Mr. Crusty, I am only too happy that Dick is ready to take me off your hands. Mr. Crusty . You baggage! You know I marry you to Dick, that I may be better attended to when you shall have no one to look out for who does not reside under my roof with you. Go! and be happy. I will see that all things are ready for the tieing of the knot, by the time you shall return. [ Exeunt Dick and Sophy . Mr. Crusty , [ solus. ] I think I shall be happier to know Dick and Sophy are married, and, too, I believe it is the best way to secure my own happiness. I shall enjoy,…
because her head is full of some body else. Sophy! Sophy! What can have become of the gal? [ Looks out at window. ] Ah! there she is, standing on the doorstep, bare-headed, looking up and down for that harum-scarum lover of hers. [ Raps on the window. ] Enter Sophy , who makes ready to set the table. Why is my dinner delayed! I have been waiting for two hours for my dinner. What am I to have? Sophy . You are to have no dinner; the doctor said you must diet yourself upon tea and toast. Mr. C. The doctor be hanged! I won't starve to please him. Bring me up that cold turkey and canvas-back duck;…
bow and said in your heart, "I won't." Sophy . How do you know I said, "I won't?" Dick . Do n't I read you like a book? When he said, "Wilt thou obey him and serve him?" and all that, you brought your lips to a pinch, and said to yourself, "I won't." Did n't you now? Sophy . Yes, I did; and I mean what I said then, and say now. I won't obey you when I think my way is the best; and now I may as well tell you once for all—I make a fair bargain with you—I will take charge of the inside of the house, and you shall take the outside. If you are industrious, honest, and cheerful, outside, you shall…
More questions about this book
- Explain Mr. Crusty's complex emotional state and worldview by detailing how his political cynicism connects with his personal regrets and self-pity in his opening monologue.
- Given that this piece is titled "A Charade," how might this theatrical form influence the exaggerated portrayal of Mr. Crusty's character and the dramatic conflict presented?
- How does Mr. Crusty's transition from lamenting the state of "virtuous politics" to his personal grievances about lost love and domestic neglect reveal a broader underlying theme of disappointment in his life?
- What societal expectations or anxieties of the mid-19th century, as suggested by the text's publication date, might be reflected in Mr. Crusty's specific complaints about Sophy's distraction or his own past "miserable mistake"?