Taking the Census: A Farce

"Taking the Census: A Farce" by Elizabeth F. Guptill is a comedic play written during the early 20th century. This humorous work features a small cast and revolves around the interactions between a census taker and a lively African American woman, Mrs. Almira Johnson, along with her son. The play likely explores the social dynamics and misunderstandings during an official census visit, serving as a commentary on race and identity in a lighthearted manner. In the story, Mr. Cole, the census taker, arrives at the home of Mrs. Johnson to gather vital statistics for the census. However, the encounter quickly devolves into a comedic exchange filled with playful banter and misunderstandings, as Mrs. Johnson misinterprets his intentions and questions. The dialogue showcases her strong personality, her relationship with her son Alexander, and the humorous struggle involving bureaucratic questioning. Through witty dialogue and absurd situations, Guptill crafts an entertaining farce that highlights both the absurdity of the census process and the cultural dynamics of the time.