Characters Flashcards
What themes does Blanche link to?
Isolation, losing one’s place in society, holding onto the past, the fallen woman, fantasy
What does Blanche hide behind her social snobbery and sexual propierty?
Her insecure and dislocated identity, this is a calculated attempt at making herself appear attractive
Why does Blanche hope to marry a southern gentleman?
To escape her poverty and bad reputation, she doesnt realise that this ‘breed’ of man is extinct.
Why does Blanche drink a lot?
To get away from the harsh reality of her existence, she is a fallen women who has lost her family and her former social standing.
What themes does Stella link to?
Enduring love, betrayal, the role of women, dependance of women on men
What themes does Stanley link to?
Male dominance, roles of men, the working class’ imoact on society, distribution of power, relationship dynamics between men and women.
What does Stanley’s power in the Kowalski household symbolise?
The new proletariat, capitalist America and the growth of the American dream
What type of character is Stanley?
A dominant, comandeering character
What does Stanley gain by the end of the play?
Security over his dominion after removing the threat embodied by Blanche
Does Stanley really love Stella?
Deep down he may, put his hypermasculinity makes his true feeling opaque, however it can be noted that Stanley and Stella’s physical relationship creates a deep bond between them
How does Stanley pervade his hypermasculinity?
He smashes things, strips off his shirt, hits his wife, speaks in clipped short replies, controls conversation.
What themes does Mitch link to?
Male roles in society, loss of love, male desire, subversion of male love for lust.
What does Mitch signify in congruence with Stanley?
The working class New America, characterised by capitalism and rapid economic growth.
What does Mitch want Blanche to do?
Fulfil the traditional female role which is lacking in his life due to his mothers illness.
