Scene 9 Flashcards
persistent effort to impose refinement and beauty onto her environment
desire for aestheticism
infiltrated the space that does not belong to her
“bedroom chair she has recovered with diagonal green stripes”
on the brink of psychological collapse, exacerbated by her being alone in the house and therefore had access to alcohol
sense that her past is catching up to her
decisive stage in Blanche’s disintegration
symbolising premonition of disaster
“a bottle of liquor and a glass”
“the music is in her mind; she is drinking to escape it”
“seems to whisper the words of a song”
Mitch represents her only form of hope/ relief
elevates the tragedy as it makes his betrayal more painful
musical shift reflects Blanche’s complete collapse - she was so close to finding comfort, only for it to be violently stripped away - fate more heart breaking
“mitch comes around the corner”
“the polka tune stops”
shed any pretence of gentility - no longer the romantic figure Blanche idealized
visual contrast to the qualities she imposed onto Mitch in her mind - visually destroys the illusion she built around him.
all stage-crafting reinforces idea that her illusions are crumbling.
“blue denim shirt and pants. He is unshaven”
Blanche’s lines in stream of consciousness style + idiosyncratic exclamations - desperation in her attempt at reconciliation
admonishing him - she still sees herself as superior to him
incessant chatter is an attempt to postpone inevitable conversation
“and such uncouth apparel! Why, you haven’t even shaved!”
alcohol becomes a consistent motif in characters’ behaviours under emotional turmoil
exacerbates tension, exaggerated emotions
“he has had a few drinks on the way”
fluctuating music - clinging on to morsel of sanity, Mitch cruel behaviours have recommenced the music
thematic significance of illusion vs reality - actively trying to supress her guilt, places hope in the ritual of the music stopping after the shot - desperate for even momentary relief from the pain
“the polka tune starts up again”
“there now, the shot! It always stops after that”
metaphorically exterminates her fake persona
lantern = symbol of facade
Mitch is devoid of his gentlemanly nature - parallels Stanley’s antagonistic behaviour
“I’ve never had a real good look at you, Blanche”
“he tears the paper lantern off the lightbulb”
admission epitomises Blanche’s psychological need for escape
Contemporary audience - lack of understanding, 21st century - relatable
deep-rooted vulnerability - this philosophy serves as a stark contrast to Stanley and the American Dream ideologies
“I’ll tell you what I want. Magic!”
overreaction - her personality disintegrating
lost her control of her surroundings and relationship with Mitch
reversal of conventional symbols - light is a cruel enemy whilst darkness is kind
Blanche’s sanity relies on darkness and the real world concealed
“she cries out and covers her face”
Irony - her physical insecurities and acute need for aestheticism were internal; reveals he lies were unnecessary - painful realisation for Blanche + audience
“I don’t mind you being older than what I thought.”
Blanche’s confession - closest she comes to a complete anagnorisis
physical reaction - element of relief in retelling her past, tragedy is that it is too late
reveals Blanche’s motivations - feared death’s proximity so sought the opposite
“Yes, I had many intimacies with strangers.”
“convulsive, sobbing laughter”
Blanche: high flown, artificial language
Mitch: contemptuous, ungrammatical replies
there is a gulf between them
Blanche and Mitch differences
the flitting between Blanche’s babble to the outside noise - rapidly increases intensity
Recurring presence of death - Blanche can no longer evade it, Mitch’s rejection cements that further
Williams’ thematic use of surrealism - is it only happening in Blanche’s mind?
contrapuntal lines from Mexican woman to Blanche
Blanche is experiencing a regression - repeating nonsensical things from past relatives
fractured psyche, identity
“her linen needs changing - Yes, Mother.”
