Scene 3, Themes Flashcards
Analyse the quote: [Stanley gives a loud whack of his hand on her thigh] in regards to the theme of Male vs Female conflict.
Stanley plays the stereotypical role of the husband who feels like he owns his wife and therefore can treat her in any way he wants, hence the numerous imperatives directed towards her in addition to the sexually possessive action of striking her thigh. The sense of male dominance is reinforced by Stella’s ineffective response, as she says “sharply: that’s not fun, Stanley,” and the laughter of the other men at the table which only serves to further accentuate the passive role of women in the play.
How does the realtionship between Mitch and Blanche support the theme of Male vs Female conflict in this scene?
Mitch describes himself as being “rough” and this has connotations of being rugged and tough. Blanche has shown herself to be someone who would look down on people of a lower class, like Mitch. In this scene however, she says that she is “adaptable” and this suggests that perhaps she is so desperate to depend on a man that she is willing to ignore what she has always been concerned with: social class.
Describe the climatic moment in this scene between Stella and Stanley that contributes to the feeling of male dominance.
It is possible to view Stanley as emasculated when he is crying out for Stella. A more plausible interpretation is that this excessive remorse is just another example of how Stanley’s character is one of extremes, varying from violence to regret within a matter of minutes. Here Williams may be revealing the more animalistic, immoderate behaviour of the working classes which violently swings from one extreme to the other with little notice – we see this repeated again later in the play with Steve and Eunice after their fight. This interpretation is reinforced by Stella’s lack of lines when she comes back to Stanley, suggesting that he remains dominant throughout, as well as the ending of the scene which sees Stanley carry Stella into the apartment where they will make love. Passionate violence is transformed into passionate lust by way of passionate regret.
Analyse the quote: “I’m very adaptable – to circumstances.”, with reference to the theme of Declining upper class vs. burgeoning working class.
Blanche came from a higher social standing and is not used to the kind of men that she encounters while staying with Stella. The loss of the family home and wealth forces Blanche to lower her usual standards and this may be why she finds Mitch attractive. She feels that he is “superior” to the others and this shows that she still does retain an aristocratic attitude by judging people based on their status.
How is the theme of the different classes further explored in this scene?
The sisters’ conversation reflects the theme of rich aristocratic societies versus the simple immigrant lives as Stella’s old values are echoed in her dialogue; “[with girlish laughter] You ought to see their wives.” This comparison indicates how Stella may always have some part of her past present in her.
How does the dramatic ending of the scene support the theme of Pleasant dreams vs Ugly reality?
• [Her eyes go blind with tenderness] - Even after Stanley has hit her (and it is implied by Mitch that this isn’t the first time) Stella still decides to return to him. The word ‘blind’ is a very clear reference to how Stella seems unable to see the exploitative nature of the relationship that she is in.
How does the relationship between Blanche and Mitch show the loneliness and longing for love that is presented throughout this play?
With this interpretation, the audience can feel sympathy for her as she just wants a companion and perhaps they audience can forgive her manipulative ways to look like a woman in need of a man to look after her.
The theme of loneliness is reflected by Mitch’s need to go home early to assist his ailing mother. Both Blanche and Mitch have lost a loved one and thus further demonstrates their desperation to find a replacement.
Decribe the theme of the Destructive Nature of Desire in this scene.
Physical love being destructive is revealed with the reunion of Stella and Stanley with, “low animal moans.” It is disturbing that after such horrific violence experienced by Stella, her love is so strong that she comes back to Stanley, illuminating this slightly insane side of physical animalistic love.
