A Streetcar Named Desire - Tennessee Williams Flashcards
What are the meanings of the DuBois sisters’ names?
Blanche - “White”
Stella - “Star”
DuBois - “of the woods”
What happens during the climax of the play?
Stella is taken to the hospital to give birth. Blanche and Stanley finally face off; Stanley is implied to have raped Blanche
Where does Streetcar take place?
In New Orleans
What happened to Blanche’s first love?
He killed himself - it is implied that he was gay, and that Blanche either rejected or threatened to out him when she discovered this
What is Belle Steve?
The DuBois family plantation. Its name means “beautiful dream”
Why does Stanley get angry over the loss of Belle Reve?
He believes that Louisiana’s Napoleonic Code entitles him to his wife Stella’s wealth, and believes Blanche either squandered it or is hiding it from them
What does Stella blame Stanley’s abusive tendencies on?
Poker night and drink
Who are the three principal characters of A Streetcar Named Desire?
Stella Kowalski, her husband Stanley, and her sister Blanche DuBois
Why was Blanche supposedly driven from town?
“Loose” behavior - possible prostitution as well as preying on at least one underage student
What seedy hotel is Blanche associated with?
The Flamingo
What is Blanche’s chief insult when it comes to Stanley?
She believes he is common and vulgar
Who does Blanche take an interest in?
Mitch, one of Stanley’s friends
What is Stanley’s profession?
Doctor
What happens to Blanche’s potential romance with Mitch?
Stanley tells Mitch about all the rumors surrounding Blanche’s personal life
What was Blanche’s profession?
English teacher
