notes on streetcar scenes

Question 1

scene 1 blanche

Answer 1

• she is “incongruous to the setting” (she’s old south New Orleans is new south) seen through her costuming
• this pure white costuming contrasts with the, “somewhat soiled and crumpled white satin nightgown” the deterioration of her garments symbolic of her loss of sanity and the revelation of her illusions

Question 2

scene 1 stanley

Answer 2

• in scene one Stanley is referred to using animal imagery multiple times creating sense of his sexual nature and introducing the idea that blanche may view him as less than human
• his costuming, “blue denim work clothes” puts him at odds with blanche setting up the conflict of old south vs new south

Question 3

paper lantern

Answer 3

• blanches aversion to light is symbolic of her aversion to reality, she refuses to go out with Mitch during the day and says, “I can’t stand a naked light”
• “she further tells Mitch about her aversion to reality, “I don’t want realism I want magic”
• when Stanley tears down the paper lantern it is symbolic of the demise of her illusion and, as she is so closely intertwined with this facade, her demise

Question 4

baths

Answer 4

the baths are symbolic of blanche trying to wash herself clean of past sins