Cream Cracker Under The Sette , Alan Bennet, Talking Heads

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How does Alan Bennett make the audience feel empathy for Doris in A cream Cracker under the Settee?

A cream cracker under the settee is a dramatic monologue written by Alan Bennett in 1987 for television, as part of his Talking Heads series for the BBC.

Doris is in her seventies. This hints at her being old and vulnerable in need of care and assistance. Moreover, she outlines that she does not "attempt to dust", this is maybe because she is physically unable or consumed by her thoughts.

Zulema says that her "dustings days are over". This makes you feel sorry for Doris and deeply empathise with her. She may have a fear of dirt - rupophobia or she may just be an exceptionally sanitary person.

Furthermore, Zulema exploits Doris' old age and feelings by saying she "doesn't have the sense she was born with", this maybe true but it is inconsiderate towards Doris' feelings. Then again, Zulema does have the right to speak her mind, as she has to put up with Doris's nagging all week.

Doris is never satisfied with Zulema's housekeeping saying, "Zulema doesn't dust, she half-dusts" This emphasises Doris obsession with