Theme: Femininity and Dependence

Question 1

How does Blanche portray femininity?

Answer 1

• She performs a delicate, innocent version of femininity because she believes that this makes her most attractive to men
• Blanche defines herself in terms of the men in her life and they see relationships with men as the only venue for happiness
• Blanche insists that Stella should attempt to get away from the physically abusive Stanley, but her solution also involves dependence on men as she proposes that they contact the Dallas millionaire Shep Huntleigh for financial assistance.

Question 2

Who is Mitch to Blanche?

Answer 2

Blanche views Mitch as a refuge and a way to rejuvenate her shattered life.

Question 3

How does Stella portray femininity?

Answer 3

• Her femininity is based on reality and her pregnancy asserts this
• Similarly, she defines herself in terms of the men in their lives and they see relationships with men as the only avenue for happiness and fulfilment
• Even though Stanley hits her she is not in something she wants to get out of.