English

Scene one:

Introduction of Stanley Kowalski, chucks the package of meat to Stella. “[He heaves the package at her ]” pg.2.  This shows Stanley as a crude and uncouth man.

Blanche’s arrival – when she says that she took a “street car named desire, and then transfer to one called cemeteries” pg.3,   William seems to be implying that desire leads to death, which is then an escape to Elysian Fields.

Blanche has a reliance on whiskey, […removes a whiskey bottle. She pours half tumbler of whiskey and tosses it down]”pg.5.  Later when Stanley asks whether she wants a drink, she refuses and says “No, I rarely touch it”pg.14- Justifies Blanche’s inability to tell the truth and desire to be someone different what she actually is.

Scene two:

Introduces to the audience on Blanche’s motif of bathing, bathes to constantly soothe her nerves, but is also cleansing a symbol. By her baths she subconsciously hopes to wipe away her sins.

Blanche attempts to seduce Stanley- “some buttons in the back you may enter” pg.20. Later Stanley says “if I didn’t know you was my wife’s sister, I’d get ideas about you”- pg. 22. This balances with the scene when Stanley rapes Blanche.

Blanche’s attempt to seduce and flirt with Stanley is a way to re-assure her that she has success with men.

The papers of the house of Belle Reve represent her past; these papers are reinforced by love letters from Blanche’s deceased husband.

Scene three:

“I think I will bathe.” Pg. 29. Blanche’s constant bathing in the bathroom is the only place in the house that Blanche can fantasise with.

Bathing is also explores through the character of Stanley after hitting his wife. Mitch orders “to put him under the shower”-demonstrating bathing is to cleanse and purify yourself.

“[she moves out the yellow streak of light]”pg.31- insecure about her appearance, but desirous for male attention.

“I can’t stand a naked light bulb”-pg. 34. Might show the light is unflattering her and doesn’t want Mitch to see any flaws. Blanche feels reluctant in the light maybe because she does not want her true age to reveal. She feels the light will reveal her past, the light reveals the truth that she tries to hide.  Blanche likes darkness as it’s a way to fabricate and re-imagine whatever cannot be seen.

Stanley chucks radio out of the window, Stella is embarrassed. Stella refers Stanley to a “drunken animal”, he then beats Stella.  Blanche is shocked that Stella goes back to Stanley, there’s no forgiveness. “[…Then they come together with low, animal moans]”pg.38.

Scene four:

Blanche stays at Eunice’s. When Stanley leaves the apartment, Blanche goes back to the Kowalski apartment, worried.

Stella is baffled by Blanche’s concerns and thinks she’s over reacting.

Blanche spent “sleepless night”- shows concern for Stella

Scene five:

Blanche is writing a letter to Shep Huntleigh that is full of lies- she fabricates a series of lies, does not want to tell the truth.

Stanley asks upsetting questions. His friend goes to Laurel and claims that Blanche was a guest at Hotel Flamingo, however Blanche denies it.