Stella Flashcards
How does Tennesse Williams portray Blanche and Stella’s dynamic in Scene 1? (3 points)
“I like to wait on you, Blanche. It makes it seem more like home”
“blessed baby”
“stand up”
“as plump as a little partridge”
“You messy child’
The quotes above demonstrate how Blanche treats Stella like a child, ordering and fussing over her - has authority over her
“You never did give me the chance to say much…got into the habit of being quiet around you”
Gives insight into their relationship from their younger days
How does Stella indicate a societal change in Scene 1? (1 quote and 1 point)
“You’ll get along fine together if you’ll just try not to - well - compare him with men that we went out with at home.”
Stella prepares Blanche to meet Stanley - clearly outlines the difference between Old South aristocratic men and the New American working-class men
How does Stella talk about Stanley’s abuse in Scene 4? (4 quotes and 3 points)
“He didn’t know what he was doing…he’s very, very ashamed of himself”
Stella makes excuses for Stanley’s abuse - repetition of “very” shows the need for her to convince herself and Blanche that the abuse was atoned for
“Stanley’s always smashed things…rushed about the place smashing the light bulbs with it”
Justifies his behaviour further, referring to the violence he displayed on their wedding night that thrilled her
“But there are things that happen between a man and a woman in the dark that sort of make everything else seem unimportant.”
“Stanley doesn’t give me a regular allowance, he likes to pay bills himself…You take five of it, Blanche, and I’ll keep the rest”
Serves to further the notion of economic domination - Stanley uses sex as well as money to make up for his abuse
How does Tenessee Williams portray Stella as powerless throughout the play? (3 quotes and 2 points)
Scene 1:
“Don’t holler at me like that. Hi, Mitch”
Scene 3:
“This is my house and I’ll talk as much as I want to!”
Stella grapples with her lack of power throughout the play - Stanley’s hegemonic masculinity and domineering self are unwelcome outside of their sex life
Scene 3:
[A chair scrapes. Stanley gives a loud whack of his hand on her thigh.]
STELLA [sharply]: That’s not fun, Stanley.”
This shows Stanley’s overpowering carnal male gaze with underlying violence, objectifying Stella - her only retaliation is a sharp tone and feeble reproach
How does Stella react to being told about Blanche’s past in Scene 7? (1 quote and 2 points)
BLANCHE: [She looks through the portieres at Stella, standing between them, and slowly stops brushing] Something has happened!-What is it?
STELLA [turning away quickly]: Why nothing has happened, Blanche.
Though Stella disbelieves Stanley when he discloses Blanche’s past, this suggests that she doubts Blanche’s words and is considering everything Stanley has said
She also hides her emotions from Blanche by turning her back on her, foreshadowing the ending of the play
What 2 quotes showcase Stella’s enjoyment of Stanley’s masculinity?
Scene 1:
“He heaves the package at her. She cries out in protest but manages to catch it; then she laughs breathlessly”
Scene 4:
STELLA: He smashed all the light bulbs with the heel of my slipper! [She laughs.]
BLANCHE: And you–you let him? Didn’t run, didn’t scream?
STELLA: I was–sort of–thrilled by it.
How is Stella compassionate towards Blanche throughout the play? (1 point and 2 quotes)
Stella is thoughtful towards her, knowing how compliments help Blanche feel good
Scene 2:
To Stanley “ And admire her dress and tell her she’s looking wonderful. That’s important with Blanche. Her little weakness!”
Scene 11:
“[To Eunice] Tell her how well she’s looking”
How does Williams present Stella in Scene 11? (3 quotes and 3 points)
“I don’t know if I did the right thing”
“I couldn’t believe her story and go on living with Stanley”
Stella believes that Blanche may have been raped but chooses her life with Stanley and their baby over her
Ironic - Stella is creating a delusion to live under like how Blanche would
“What have I done to my sister? Oh, God, what have I done to my sister?”
She feels guilt that she will have to live with, similar to how Blanche did after Allan died
