Scene Three Flashcards
Key Quotes for Scene 3
- “How do I look?”
- “I can’t stand a naked light bulb any more than I can stand a rude or vulgar action”
- “I think I will bathe”
- “they speak quietly and lovingly and he leans his face on one of their shoulders”
- “STELLLAAAAAAAHHHH!”
- “Like a dancing bear”
- “the dark red satin wrapper”
- “loud whack of his hand on her thigh”
- “he snatches the screen door open and lifts her off her feet”
What argument does John McCrae have about scene 3?
-Scene encapsulates the stark contrast between masculinity and femininity; establishment of masculinity is important especially in the power game as there is no change and it continues to recur – link to BD not belonging in New America (link structurally to end of play – last line)
- Lighting important - “lurid nocturnal brilliance” of Van Gogh painting – too revealing for BD – links to the Chinese Lantern used to cover the naked light bulb (look at the fact she asks Mitch rather than SK to put the lantern on)
- During poker game, because of male dominance, all femininity comes down to contrast between BD and Stella
- Across whole scene there’s a balancing act - “I need kindness now” - balance between kindness and sorrow, alongside sweaty animalistic poker game vs delicate gentle nature of BD and Stella.
Contextual notes on scene 3
- Vivid colours represent the boldness of working class America and suggest a continuity of New America and the American Dream
- Class divide shown between SK and BD when she expects the men to stand up for her
- Stereotypical masculinity vs femininity – SK vs Stella – he is violent and she is passive
- Normalisation of domestic violence in New Orleans
- Contrast between Mitch and BD – she dances elegantly and he dances awkwardly
- BD constantly needs to remind everyone of her aristocratic past: it’s fading
- SK homosocial bond with friends really reinforced in this scene – two ways – poker game itself and also their tender care of SK after he hits Stella
Notes on structure and stagecraft in scene 3
- Raw, exposed and unrefined masculinity is exposed by the bold vivid colours and contrasted with the soft femininity that BD creates: represents her denial of the harsh truths which the light exposes
- BD ability to manipulate men with her body and need to be sexually attractive is seen as she stands in the light by the portieres – note irony as she normally avoids light. This feminine image contrasts with the poker game – the poker game represents stereotypical exclusive masculinity, where overindulgence, violence, primal and aggressive behaviour is accepted under the guise of a game.
- Blue Piano – as SK hits Stella – he is forgiven – this suggests domestic violence is part of the culture of NO and its fast-paced modernity is unstoppable.
- Animal moans represents the sexual magnetism and interdependence of their relationship
Plot summary for scene 3
- Poker night – manliness established; Stella and BD come back in at 2am
- SK hits Stella on the thigh in front of everyone; the men laugh
- BD meets Mitch – she is intrigued
- SK turns radio off when BD turns it on in the bedroom (remember the portieres offer no sound protection)
- Mitch tells Blanche the sad tale behind his lighter
- BD turns radio back on; SK throws it out of window and then hits Stella (offstage)
- BD and Stella escape to Eunice’s flat but Stella quickly returns and they reunite
- Blanche tells Mitch “I need kindness now”
Links across literature in scene 3
Mitch’s cig case has inscription of Barrett Browning sonnet on – which has the theme of love lost and lasting after death. BD shares this with Mitch – they have both lost loves. The cig case is a mirror in which BD sees her most cherished ideals and values reflected like education, romance, refinement. And her recognition of the sonnet shows her culture and intelligence.
