Character of Blanche Flashcards
‘She is daintily dressed in a white suit […] looking as if she were arriving at a summer tea or cocktail party in the garden district.’
Costume
Emphasises how much Blanche relies on her looks. She’s formally dressed in white clothes which suggests her innocence and purity. However the audience sees through this false narrative as the play proceeds. ‘Daintily’ highlights that she is fragile and gives her a sense of vulnerability.
‘There is something about her uncertain manner, as well as her white clothes, that suggests a moth.’
Costume
Williams compares Blanche’s appearance to that of a moth. This is symbolic of the fact that moths are attracted to the light which is damaging to them. This insinuates that she is drawn to dangerous situations and it has led her to her current predicament.
‘incongruous to this setting’
Setting
Stage directions
Contrast
Not only highlights Blanche’s obvious contrast to her surroundings but it also foreshadows her conflict with Stanley. He clearly fits in with the setting and she doesn’t fit in at all.
“I won’t be looked at in this merciless glare!”
“I can’t stand a naked light-bulb, anymore than I can a rude remark or a vulgar action.”
Characterisation
Setting
Stage directions
This introduces the theme of illusion vs reality. Blanche passionately orders her sister to turn off the light because she doesn’t want to be seen in bright lighting. It is suggestive of the fact that she doesn’t want to face reality and instead hides behind fantasies and alcohol.
She is incapable of dealing with reality which suggests her fragility.
‘You haven’t said a word about my appearance’
Characterisation
Showcases Blanche’s prominent insecurities. Reflective of the time in that women were meant to be married and settled down by her age. She isn’t and it makes her depend on her looks to find a husband.
‘She pours a half tumbler of whisky and tosses it down’
Characterisation
Stage directions
Makes the audience aware of Blanche’s abuse of alcohol. ‘Tosses’ highlights that she is clearly a regular drinker to be able to drink such a large quantity in such a small period of time. She tries to hide her instability by telling Stanley, ‘I rarely touch it’ and the audience see that she is in denial about her current state. She deceives others and is delusional. ‘Some people rarely touch it, but it touches them often.’ - foreshadows conflict between the 2 because he sees through Blanche’s fantasies.
‘She’s soaking in a hot tub to quiet her nerves.’
Symbolism
This is referenced multiple times throughout the play. It is symbolic of her attempting to wash away her sins from the past. Blanche uses bathing to try to escape her current reality.
‘You’re simple, straightforward and honest, a little bit on the primitive side I should think.’
Foreshadowing
Blanche has her brother-in-law sussed out. This also builds the tension further between Stanley and Blanche. They are polar opposites of each other. Stanley says things exactly how they are and Blanche doesn’t want to accept the truth.
‘I was fishing for a compliment, Stanley.’
Characterisation
Theme - dependency on men
Emphasises Blanche’s flirtatious nature with Stanley despite him being her sister’s husband. She lacks decency and morality whilst also exploring the theme of dependency on men. Blanche relies so heavily on validation from men.
‘Thank you for being so kind! I need kindness now.’
Key scene
Characterisation
‘Thank you for being so kind! I need kindness now.’
An emotional line in the play. Williams creates sympathy for Blanche’s character by demonstrating her fragility and vulnerability. What has she gone through to get her to this state?
‘Desire […] brought me here – Where I’m not wanted and where I’m ashamed to be…’
Dialogue
Metaphor
Theme - desire
Blanche uses the name of the streetcar to reference how desire has led her to her unfortunate position. Williams is trying to convey that desire can lead people to the wrong places. Blanche is trying to convince Stella that she would be better off without Stanley. Blanche doesn’t really have the right to just show up and criticise Stella’s life.
‘There’s even something - sub-human - something not quite to the stage of humanity yet!’
Dramatic Monologue
Theme - civilisation vs savagery
This is the first time Blanche openly shares her disapproval of Stanley. It emphasises his animalistic nature and how he doesn’t seem like he has adapted to living in the current society. The conflict between Stanley and Blanche continues to grow.
‘Say it’s only a paper moon, Sailing over a cardboard sea – But it wouldn’t be make-believe if you believed in me!’
Sound
Dramatic Irony
Theme - Fantasy vs reality, desire
The song Blanche sings as she bathes. It talks of a fantasy world that could be real if everyone believed it. It’s a metaphor for her relationship with Mitch. If he chooses to believe her delusions everything will be happy ever after. Williams harshly juxtaposes this with Stanley’s revelations to Stella in the other room. There’s dramatic irony as Blanche is dreaming of her future but the audience knows Stanley plans to unravel everything.
‘I don’t tell the truth. I tell what ought to be the truth’
Light vs dark motif
Characterisation
Fantasy vs Reality
Blanche reveals that she doesn’t want the truth; she prefers her lies and fantasies. She wants things to be softened for her just like how she doesn’t want to be seen in harsh light.
‘In a somewhat soiled and crumpled white satin evening gown’
Costume
Stage directions
Key Scene
The contrast in costume between Blanche as she makes her entrance in Scene 1 and now makes clear her mental instability. ‘Crumpled’ reflects how her facade is fading and her insanity is becoming clear to the audience.
