Scene 1 Quotes Flashcards
What stage direction describes the way in which Blanche doesn’t belong in New Orleans, as a result of her ‘Old South’ background and class status?
[Her appearance is incongruous to this setting]
Which stage direction suggests that Blanche is drawn to things that are dangerous, thus possibly foreshadowing her fate later in the play?
[There is something about her uncertain matter, as well as her white clothes, which suggests a moth]
Moths are often drawn or attracted to things that can kill them, in a similar vain to how Blanche’s relationship with Allan, her affair with the schoolboy, her ordeals in Laurel, as well as her moving in with Stella have all arguably lead her to her downfall. The white clothes are also a reminder of her status.
At the very beginning of the play, what does Stanley say to Stella which is an indication of their relationship dynamic? This dynamic consists of Stanley being able to do anything he pleases to Stella without Stella ever protesting against this. This could also signify her sexual infatuation with him, which becomes a key aspect of her character and can be partly blamed for Blanche’s downfall.
Stanley: Meat!
[He heaves the package at her. She cries out in protest but manages to catch it: then she laughs breathlessly]
What does Blanche say to Stella which is an indication of Blanche’s desire to escape reality and her past?
“Turn that over-light off!…I won’t be looked at in this merciless gaze!”
The adjective ‘merciless’ highlights the way in which Blanche views reality. The idea of a ‘merciless gaze’ could also reflect the way society views Blanche, as society constantly pushes strict standards onto women. They need to be young, beautiful and pure in order to survive, and Blanche doesn’t fit all of these criteria.
What does Blanche say to Stella which indicates Blanche’s need/desire to assert control?
“You hear me? I said stand up! [Stella complies reluctantly]”
This could also be a way to show how how Stanley and Blanche seem to fight over control of Stella, which is also further indicated later in the play.
Which stage direction illustrates the way in which Stanley thrives in New Orleans?
[…the center of his life has been pleasure with women….not with weak indulgence…but with the power and pride of a richly feathered male bird among hens]
This could also emphasise the vast differences in the way men and women are viewd in this society. While blanche is shamed for sleeping with men, Stanley is praised for indulging in women.
How does Williams use music to characterize and express Blanche’s emotions
[This ‘Blue Piano’ expresses the spirit of the life which goes on here]
This sets the stage for a frantic and multicultural New Orleans. This is perhaps a forshadowing of the troubles that lie ahead for Blanche, as the atmosophere of New Orleans greatly contrasts that of Belle Reve.
It could also be seen as somewhat ironic that the music is called “the blue piano” while Blanch seems to be the complete opposite of the symbolism of the colour. While Blue symbolises truth, serenity and transquility, it is made obvious throughout the play that blanche holds none of these traits.
When Blanche tells Stella about Belle Reve, the stage directions state that [The music of the “blue piano” grows louder]
In this case, it could symbolise Blanche’s desperation to leave the past behind her.
How does Williams use music to characterize and express Blanche’s emotions
[This ‘Blue Piano’ expresses the spirit of the life which goes on here]
This sets the stage for a frantic and multicultural New Orleans. This is perhaps a forshadowing of the troubles that lie ahead for Blanche, as the atmosophere of New Orleans greatly contrasts that of Belle Reve.
It could also be seen as somewhat ironic that the music is called “the blue piano” while Blanch seems to be the complete opposite of the symbolism of the colour. While Blue symbolises truth, serenity and transquility, it is made obvious throughout the play that blanche holds none of these traits.
When Blanche tells Stella about Belle Reve, the stage directions state that [The music of the “blue piano” grows louder]
In this case, it could symbolise Blanche’s desperation to leave the past behind her.
How is the atmosphere of New Orleans described?
“[The section is poor but unlike corresponding sections in other American cities, it has a raffish charm.]”
Highlights the difference between New Orleans and other American cities; must be aware that other parts are not like it, for example, its mixing of classes and cultures.
What does Blanche exclaim which alludes further to her incongruity and unfamiliarity to this setting?
“Only Poe! Only Mr. Edgar Allen Poe! – could do it justice! Out there I suppose is the ghoul-haunted woodland of Weir!”
This haunting imagery, which directly quotes Poe’s poem “Ulalume,” contrasts the way New Orleans is described in the stage directions: “cosmopolitan city where there is a relatively warm and easy intermingling of races” which demonstrates the way contemporary American society has evolved to value class and racial inequality. Blanche’s stance against this comes from her “Old South” upbringing and the fact that her family owned “Belle Reve,” a plantation which profited from slavery.
