Ernest Howard Culbertson
Goat Alley: A Tragedy of Negro Life
"Goat Alley: A Tragedy of Negro Life" by Ernest Howard Culbertson is a drama written in the early 20th century. The play focuses on Lucy Belle Dorsey, a woman struggling to maintain her integrity and dignity amid the harsh realities of life in a Washington slum. It delves into the challenges faced by African Americans in the early 1900s, including poverty, infidelity, and the fight for personal agency and love in an oppressive environment. The opening of "Goat Alley" introduces us to the dilapidated living conditions of Lucy Belle and her family in Goat Alley. Lucy's conversation with her Aunt Rebecca reveals the tension in her life, particularly regarding her relationships with her partner Sam and the abusive Jeff Bisbee, who looms as a threatening figure in her past. As Lucy navigates her current attempts to secure a future with Sam while grappling with remnants of her troubled past, the harsh realities of her existence are unveiled, setting the stage for a tale of tragedy and resilience in the lives of African Americans. The opening establishes an emotional foundation, showcasing Lucy's plight amidst societal pressures and personal turmoil.