Scene 10, Motifs & Connotations Flashcards
How is the motif of colour used in this scene?
Blanche is described as being in “scuffed silver slippers” which shows how the “white” clothes she had initially been described in at the start of the play had deteriorated into silver; this reflects the audience’s understanding that she is no longer as pure and “dainty” as they initially thought. Stanley is portrayed wearing a “vivid green silk bowling shirt” and later on ‘brilliant silk pyjamas’, both which reflect the vibrancy and boldness of his character. Secondly, Stanley claims that it is a “red-letter night for” the both of them; the use of the colour red reflects not only celebration but also the desires of Blanche, and the passion and violence of Stanley.
How is the motif of death used in this scene?
Symbolically, this scene is used by Williams to show the death of the aristocratic values of Blanche. Blanche herself realises this and believes she is in “desperate circumstances” as she is “caught in a trap” and needs “help”. The “trap” is reality and Blanche feels that her dreams her dying before her eyes and she can no longer protect herself; this is why she “presses her fists to her ears until” the sounds of reality (“an approaching locomotive”) pass by her.
How is light used?
Williams utilises the motif of light to achieve a number of purposes. First of all, Blanche’s wish for a “moonlight swim” reveals how she wishes to purify herself of what she has done in the past by having a swim in the “moonlight”, which, as it is not as bright as the sun, would not evoke as much scrutiny. Williams uses light to describe Blanche’s behaviour, to “cover the light-bulb with a paper lantern” allows Blanche to escape the real world and view the world from her own perspective. It is important to realise that Blanche does not hate light; she just wants it to be at an intensity that would suit her.
How is violence used?
This motif is extremely significant in this scene as Williams wishes to use it to reveal to the audience that it is one of the many flaws of Stanley’s world and the value system that he represents. The “rough-house” treatment of Stanley to Blanche reflects this society’s primal instincts and Blanche’s pleas, “let me get by you!” show how she is unable to escape from this male domination and violence. Moreover, the violence in this society goes unchecked as the audience realises in the next scene that Stanley suffers no consequences for what he has done to Blanche; it is only Blanche who suffers.
