Scene 3 Flashcards
What causes Mitch to become awkward?
He meets Blanche outside the bathroom and thinks she’s attractive.
How does Stanley treat Stella in this scene?
Stanley hits Stella as punishment for disobeying him and to show the other men at the poker table that he is in charge and that he’s the superior figure.
How does Williams construct the theme of Sexual Desire in this scene?
Williams constructs the theme of Sexual Desire in the scene by conveying it through Stanley. We see this when “they come together with low, animal moans.” This demonstrates many things such as Stanley’s control over his wife, Stella, and her inability to be anything but his submissive prey.
What is the lie Blanche tells to Mitch?
Blanche tells Mitch that her drink limit is two which is dramatically ironic because we have seen her drink more than twice previously in the play.
How can Blanche be seen to manipulate Mitch?
At the end of Scene 3 Blanche states that she “needs kindness now.” This could be seen as manipulative because she is trying to evoke sympathy from Mitch. Additionally this highlights Mitch’s paternal instincts and his desire to care for others which Blanche uses to her advantage to get what she wants: attention.
In what way does Williams position us to feel about Stella by the end of the scene?
By the end of the scene we feel sorry for Stella because she has to endure the abuse from Stanley whilst still putting on a brave face for her sister who scares easily. We also feel bad for her as she has been manipulated by her husband.
