Scene 3, Motifs Flashcards
Explore the meaning of the quote: I think I will bathe.” “Again.”
The fact that Blanche requires a bath again suggests that she might have the need to subconsciously wash something away. However, a more likely interpretation of Blanche constant bathing is that the bathroom is the only place in the house where she can fantasise about the way she wishes the world to be (for it to be beautiful, aristocratic, for her to be young, etc) without having to face the truth. Even in the house itself, we constantly see her being alarmed by noises from outside, e.g. the vendor, and it is as if she has to seek sanctuary from invasive truths in the bathroom.
How is bathing explored through Stanley’s character in this scene?
After the disturbing event of Stanley hitting his wife, Mitch orders to “put him under the shower,” demonstrating that bathing is used to refresh, cleanse and purify. Stanley comes out of the shower sober as he realizes that Stella has left him.
Analyse the quote: “I can’t stand a naked light bulb”
Blanche may feel that the naked light is unflattering and may show any flaws that she might not want Mitch to see. The bright naked light could also symbolise a harsh, rough society, one that is ‘beneath’ her and that she looks down on.
Why might Blanche be reluctant to be seen in the light?
she feels the light reveals her true age (deteriorating beauty); metaphorically, she feels the light will reveal her past; the light reveals the truth she tries to hide. It is also a symbol of the world she wishes to hide from, the world of ugly truths and grim realities which contrasts with Stanley and his garish embrace of all that is colourful and loud
What does the game of poker reflect?
The lively atmosphere of Elysian Fields: the colours of the shirts, the lurid light over the table, the greasy food and beer all help create a scene seething with life and excess which is in stark contrast to the aristocratic and genteel society from which Blanche and Stella originally come. There is a down to earth honesty and sense of friendship and camaraderie among the men at the table which we never witness between characters from the upper classes however this positive picture of life in New Orleans is consistently undermined throughout the scene by Stanley’s coarse, violent and bullying nature which represents the downside of this more ‘honest’ way of life.
Explore the use of physical violence in this scene.
• [There is the sound of a blow] – Stanley hits Stella even though she is pregnant and we learn from Mitch that this is not the first time. Stanley tries to assert his control over her and reinforce his role as the dominant male in the relationship. It also reveals the downside to the lively vibrant life that we have seen Elysian Fields (frequent violence, brutality and coarseness) and it foreshadows the violence that will continue throughout the play culminating in the rape of Blanche.
