Scene 2 Flashcards
“We have the Napoleonic code …
what belongs to the wife belongs to the husband”
Stanley
Stanley reveals how he views life. He sees his life as following set laws that should not be transgressed. These laws place him in a dominant role over his wife and women in general. Although the Napoleonic code also says a husband’s property belongs to his wife, Stella would never dare use this code on her husband.
“Our improvident grandfathers and father …
” and brothers exchanged the land for their epic fornications.”
Blanche
Blanche describes how the wanton desires of her ancestors led to the destruction of Belle Reve, thereby showing that the cycle of desire, destruction, and death has been passed on to Blanche from her forbearers.
“You have no idea how stupid and horrid you’re being!…
Now close that trunk before she comes out of the bathroom”
Stella
here she is not so passive and is standing up to Stanley
“I hurt him the way that you would like to hurt me,
but you can’t! I’m not young and vulnerable any more!””
link to the young man that she kissed in scene 5
Blanche is hurt by Stanley’s value of love. This quote shows that Blanche most likely may have hurt her late husband by being disaffectionate. Now, when Stanley treats her love letters from him as though they are worthless, his disregard for love hurts her.
She’s soaking in a hot tub to quiet her nerves. She’s terribly upset.
motif of bathing
