streetcar named desire flashcards
Blanche speaks this to Eunice upon her arrival. Elysian Fields - Kowalski apartment, but also greek afterlife. Blanche’s journey here is allegorical version of her life up to now. her pursuit of sexual desires led to social ‘death’ and expulsion from hometown laurel. landing in this ‘pagan heaven’ she has begun sort of afterlife where she learns consequences to her actions
they told me to take a streetcar named desire, and transfer to one called cemeteries, and ride six blocks and get off at - Elysian Fields!
not the type that goes for jasmine perfume - blanche suggests Stanley lacks refinement to appreciate fine taste like blanche can. suggests normally he would be inadequate husband because of his inability to appreciate subtle things. second half acknowledges however the Dubois no longer have money themselves. links to Stella’s child and how it will lack refinement, but have stanelys survival skills which blanche lacks.
Oh, I guess he’s just not the type that goes for jasmine perfume, but maybe he’s what we need to mix with our blood now that we’ve lost Belle Reve
After blanche makes derogatory remarks about Stanley’s polish ethnicity, implying him to be crude and basic, he snaps. exposes her as uninformed. declaration of being proud American carries weight as Stanley overall represents new American society.
I am not a Polack. People from Poland are Poles, not Polacks. But what I am is a one hundred percent American, born and raised in the greatest country on earth
demonstrates his dominance and disdain for Blanche. The derogatory language and commanding tone highlight his power over her, showcasing the power struggle between them
“Hey, canary bird! Toots! Get OUT of the BATHROOM! Must I speak more plainly?”
shows her desperate attempts to maintain a façade of glamour and sophistication, despite harsh reality of her situation. Sarcastic tone and vivid imagery underscore her refusal to confront the truth, highlighting her fragile state of mind and inner turmoil.
God love you for a liar! never exposed such a total ruin!
Closes play. Refers to poker, and is a symbol of all the deception and bluffing that has happened throughout the play. Serves to underline the tragedy of blanche’s fate, by how little concern they show.
This game is a seven card stud
Way for blanche to appeal sympathy and pity. she is pathetic character, has nowhere to go. Realise there has also been little kindness in her life. “I need kindness now please”
I have always been dependent on the kindness of strangers
feels society has been unjust to her, she should have alll these things. she chooses to live/hide in her dream world. gives idea there is some divine justice in the universe, she is victim yet is turned to being horrible.
I tell what ought to be then case… I dont want realism I want magic.
Blanche’s worst fears and nightmares are projected onto the wall. Plastic theatre. Williams is exposing the workings of her vulnerable mind. Expressionist technique
the shadows are of a grotesque and menacing form
