Scene 4 analysis Flashcards
why does the streetcar have a double meaning?
the streetcar literally brought her to Elysian Fields
but it was her desire in Laurel that brought her to her sister for help. her desire was transportation to disaster
what does Stanley’s overhearing cause him to feel?
strengthens his dislike
gives him motive to be rid of Blanche
what does this scene focus on?
contrasts between Blanche and Stella
Stella has experienced true physical love and passion
why is this scene a turning point?
Stella chooses Stanley over Blanche, foreshadowing of putting her in mental institute
discussion of streetcar links with title and theme of fate. streetcar is fixed to the rack, so Blanche is headed for disaster
what does ‘narcotised tranquility’ suggest?
stanley is her drug, needs more of him each time. she is calm and serene and Blanche is mortified. clash between personalities
what does Stella holding comics suggest?
like her sister, she has the capacity to lose herself in fantasy and be childlike
has Blanche already lost the power struggle between her and Stanley?
she has, him hearing her talk negatively about him secures his determination to be rid of her, even it means he will destroy her
what does ‘sleepless night’ for Blanche represent?
that even though she is callous, she does care about her sisters safety
3 key quotes in this scene
‘Stanley’s gaudy pyjamas lie across the threshold of the bathroom’
‘Dont- dont hang back with the brutes!’
‘over her head he grins through the curtains at Blanche’
