Scene 4 Quotes

Question 1

Which stage direction at the beginning of this scene indicate the unhealthiness of Stanley and Stella’s relationship?

Answer 1

[Her eyes an lips have that almost narcotized tranquility..]

The word ‘narcotized’ has connotations with drugs, which gives the impression that she is disillusioned with reality. Her blindness to the unhealthiness of the realtionship makes it appear more unhealthy.

Question 2

What does Stella say which shows how she excuses Stanley’s behaviour?

Answer 2

She says that Stanley “has always smashed things” and that “when men are drinking and playing poker, anything can happen.”