Language

Question 1

What are the key language methods in a Streetcar Named Desire?

Answer 1

• Blanche’s songs
• Blanche’s poetic diction vs Stanley’s colloquial diction
• Language of death
• Language of gambling/winning
• Poetic stage directions

Question 2

Blanche’s diction (references to education) Sc1

Answer 2

“Only Mr Edgar Allan Poe could do it justice!” Blanche

Question 3

Language of gambling linked with sex Sc2

Answer 3

Blanche: “To interest you a woman would have to-
Stanley: “Lay…her cards on the table”
Blanche: “Yes-yes… life is too full of evasions and ambiguities. I like an artist who paints in strong, bold colours, primary colours”

Question 4

Language of gambling Sc4

Answer 4

“playing poker anything can happen. It’s always a powder-keg”

Question 5

Blanche’s monologue on Stanley vs presentation of herself Sc4

Answer 5

“poetry and music”
“cling to, and hold as our flag!”
“Don’t hang back with the brutes!”

Question 6

Paper Moon Sc7

Answer 6

“But it wouldn’t be make-believe if you believed in me”

Question 7

What does Stanley call Blanche in Sc7?

Answer 7

Dame Blanche

Question 8

What does Blanche call Stanley in Sc8?

Answer 8

“Pig-Polack-disgusting-vulgar-greasy!” Stanley