Blanche
Blanche's background could be described as
Upper class or well-to-do
Meat / Bowling shirt
Symbolizes Stanley and Stella's relationship
Also Stanley's physicality, working-class identity, and dominance
It is Stella's sister therefore his sister-in-law
Play is set in? When?
New Orleans / 1940s
Blanche's zodiac sign
Virgo
How is the theme of class conflict presented in the play?
Through the tension between Blanche’s aristocratic background and Stanley’s working-class status.
Stanley's background would be described as
Blue collar/lower class
Who had mental problems in Williams' family and greatly influenced his writing?
His sister
Where is Blanche from (150 for city, 150 for state)
Laurel, Mississippi
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
How does the theme of desire manifest in Blanche's character?
Blanche’s desire for love, youth, and security drives her actions, but also leads to her downfall.
What is Mitch’s relationship to Stanley?
Mitch is one of Stanley’s close friends and poker buddies.
What does Stanley discover in Blanche's trunk that increases his suspicions about her?
Stanley discovers expensive-looking clothes, jewelry, and love letters, which make him suspicious of Blanche’s claims about being broke.
Blanche bathes to
wash off the past/clean herself of her previous life
If I didn’t know that you was my wife’s sister I’d get ideas about you!
Who is Stanley?
What does the poker game in Scene 3 represent in terms of themes or symbols?
The poker game symbolizes Stanley’s world of masculinity and aggression, a stark contrast to Blanche’s world of fragility and illusion. It also highlights themes of power and control.
How is Mitch portrayed as a contrast to Stanley in the play?
Mitch is more sensitive and caring, especially towards Blanche, unlike Stanley’s brute, dominant personality.
What is Mitch’s reason for being interested in Blanche?
Mitch is drawn to Blanche because he sees her as refined, cultured, and possibly a stable companion, unlike the rough, masculine world he shares with Stanley.
Blanche breaks gender roles for her time because
She is unmarried/she works outside the home
Poems a dead boy wrote. I hurt him the way that you would like to hurt me, but you can’t!
Who is Blanche?
Paper Lantern / Light
Blanche's desire to hide the harsh truth and create an illusion of beauty.
How does Stanley conform to gender roles of the era?
Stanley is married and works outside the home as the provider for his family.
What financial issue drives the tension between Stanley and Blanche?
Stanley is upset because he believes Blanche sold the family estate, Belle Reeve, and kept the money for herself, reducing Stella’s inheritance.