A Streetcar Named Desire SCENE 2, Motifs Flashcards
Explain how the motf of the’inside and outside’ is explored in this scene.
The confines of the house seem restrictive and tense. The glimpses that have been seen of the outside (Scene 1) are relatively positive, as there is a sense of community. This contrasts with the inside, where the relationships are strained and there is a sense of false sincerity and materialism, especially with Blanche.
Suggest how this links with Blanche’s materialism
Her comment about her “pretty new dress” reinforces how Blanche is obsessed with appearances, and needs the validation and approval of others. This materialism and false pretenses do not seem to be present within the outside world and hence, although Blanche appears to be seeking a haven from the outside, for her the situation inside seems even worse.
Explore how the ‘inside and outside’ motif links to Blanche’s dependance on other people.
There is an association with the outside with a wild and unknown environment and this leads to the idea of the need to depend upon another. For example, “Which way do we – go now - Stella?” The gaps within the speech helps to emphasize the uncertainty of the situation, already present by the question mark; additionally, the quotation highlights Blanche’s dependency on Stella for guidance and support.
Expand on this using the quote, “The blind are – leading the blind!”.
Reveals the uncertainty that she feels, stepping into the real world, out of her euphemistic ideals. The dash perhaps emphasises Blanche’s hesitation and reluctance to admit that she is uncertain of her surroundings.
Analyse the motif of bathing as a form of purification in this scene.
In one instance, Blanche is “soaking in a hot tub to quiet her nerves.” This could be seen as Blanche once again escaping reality; her cleansing is a form of escapism from the harshness of reality. This once again shows how Blanche is unable to deal with life and is related to her drinking as both are a form of escape from, for her, the grim reality of everyday life. In this sense, she can be seen as a weak character who is dependent upon others in order to function.
Suggest how, to Blanche, bathing is a renewal of herself.
As if to literally wash off the shock of Stella’s husband and house. She seems to regard this ritual as a necessity, as she has been rejuvenated and “feel[s] like a brand-new human being!” Furthermore, the idea of scenting oneself could be interpreted as trying to hide a person’s true nature; Blanche scents herself to distract herself and possibly others from reality: she “playfully” sprays Stanley, possibly as an attempt to distract him from the legal documents.
Discuss the ‘papers’ referred to in scene 2.
as if to literally wash off the shock of Stella’s husband and house. She seems to regard this ritual is a necessity, as she has been rejuvenated and “feel[s] like a brand-new human being!” Furthermore, the idea of scenting oneself could be interpreted as trying to hide a person’s true nature; Blanche scents herself to distract herself and possibly others from reality: she “playfully” sprays Stanley, possibly as an attempt to distract him from the legal documents.
How to Blanche react to the papers?
For Blanche papers represent her past, as the papers prove the ownership of the house and possibly when she “endows” Stanley with the papers this may be seen as an attempt to rid herself of her past, in a similar way to the motif of bathing. This association between papers and the past is reinforced by the love letters from Blanche’s deceased husband. These papers may reveal several things: firstly, Blanche’s guilt for her husband’s suicide, and thus she keeps the letters to remind herself of what she has done. Secondly, this may reinforce the theme of beautiful dreams vs. the ugly reality as, by keeping the love letters of her husband, she may be refusing to accept the reality of his death: she is unable to let go of her dream.
