Scene 8 Quotes Flashcards
What does Stanley say to assert his control over the women?
“Who do you two think you are? A pair of queens? Remember what Huey Long said- “Every Man is a King!” And I am the king around here, so don’t you forget it!”
The original line was Huey Long’s which helped him run for presidency in 1936. Within its original contexts, the line is meant to refer to the more equal distribution of wealth that Long promised to bring to the people. This can be linked to Stanley’s New Southern ideals, as he is still able to make a living for himself despite his lower class and immigrant background.
However, Stanley also uses this line as a way to impose control over the women in a misognystic way. This shows that, even with the newfound power brought to lower class men like Stanley, patriarchal and misognystic ideals seem to have remained stagnant
How does Blanche attempt to feel a sense of control or superiority over Stanley?
“You healthy Polack, without a nerve in your body, of course you don’t know what anxiety feels like!”
The term “polack” is derogatory and Blanche uses it in a dehumanising way.
What does Blanche say about her birthday which illustrates her insecurity about her age?
“I’d much rather forget it— when you—reach twenty seven! Well— age is a subject that you’d prefer to—ignore!”
The dashes indicate her anxiety and inability to accept the truth about her age.
