street car Flashcards
blanches appearance at the start
“daintily dressed in a white suit”
blanches comparison to flying thing
“as fragile as a moth”
new orleans blanche is dressed very differently to poor
“her appearance is incongruous to this
setting.”
alcoholic
“observes the depletion” and states “liquor goes fast in
hot weather”
flirting
e “playfully sprays” Stanley with her atomiser which he “seizes”.
The description of “playfully” and “seizes” suggests a strong contrast in their characterisation. Stanley’s
response:
“If I didn’t know you were my wife’s sister I’d get ideas about you.
Such as what?
Don’t play dumb, you know what”.
This exchange of dialogue develops Blanche’s flawed character – not only is she an alcoholic but she is
flirtatious and promiscuous – even with her sister’s husband. This continues the idea that she is a character
who likes to play with dange
character assasination
y “common” and “bestial” saying that Stella is living with a man who is more or less cave
man. She pleads with her “Don’t, don’t hang out with the brutes”. This moment gives Stanley his motive for
scene 10
“brilliant
silk pyjamas”. Blanche feels threatened and Stanley asks: “You think I’ll interfere with you?” Then states
“some to think of it – maybe you wouldn’t be bad – to interfere with.” A scene begins reminiscent of the
violent sex Stanley and Stella enjoy. Blanche tells him to back off: “I warn you, don’t, I’m in danger.” She
then “smashes a bottle on the table and faces him.” Stanley responds to the idea of rough and violent sex “Oh
you want some rough-house! All right, let’s have some rough-house.” He states “We’ve had this date with
each other from the beginning” referring back to his earlier statement about Blanche’s flirting with him.
illusion
“I
couldn’t believe her story and go on living with Stanley.” Stella chooses her husband over her sister and the
stage is set for Blanche to leave the drama. The fact that Stella has believed Stanley’s lies and that Blanche
has been raped by her Brother in law switches the audience’s sympathy towards Blanche. She is now an
admirable character because she has suffered and is being sent to the living death of a state mental institution.
The audience admires her because she seeks to leave with dignity. The audience feels great pity as a Matron
can not handle Blanche scratching wildly at her and suggests a “jacket”. Instead a Doctor “draws her up
gently and supports her with his arm.” Blanche departs stating “whoever you are – I have always depended on
the kindness of strangers”
