CHARACTERS
What does Blanche do to make herself feel more comfortable and confident around others?
She takes long baths and dresses up in elegant clothing.
Who says, “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.." ?
Blanche
“Turn that over-light off! Turn that off! I won’t be looked at in this merciless glare.”-- Blanche
This is related to which theme? how?
Illusion vs Reality; Blanche is hiding from the light because it shows too many imperfections
How does Blanche's marriage end?
What does the paper lantern symbolize for Blanche?
Blanche’s desire to hide the truth and create an illusion of beauty.
Why does Stanley clash so strongly with Blanche?
Stanley believes Blanche is deceitful and threatens his control over his home and marriage.
“Every man is a king! And I am the king around here, so don’t forget it!” Who says this, and what does it show?
Stanley; it shows his belief in traditional gender roles and his need for control.
How does the theme of power dynamics manifest in Stanley and Stella’s relationship?
Stanley asserts control over Stella and their household, representing traditional gender roles.
What is Stella's response to Stanley's violence?
She is "thrilled" by it.
Why is Blanche so obsessed with bathing throughout the play?
Bathing symbolizes her attempts to cleanse herself of her guilt and past.
What secret from Blanche’s past does Stanley reveal to Mitch?
That Blanche was involved with a younger man and was forced to leave her hometown because of her reputation.
Who says this to who? "And look at yourself! Take a look at yourself in that worn-out Mardi Gras outfit, rented for fifty cents from some rag-picker!"
Which theme is highlighted by Blanche’s arrival at her sister’s small, modest apartment?
class conflict; Blanche’s expectations of luxury and her current reality
What does Stanley give Blanche for her birthday? Why does he do this?
A bus ticket back to Laurel. He does this because he is asserting control and dominance over Blanche.
What does light represent in Blanche’s life, and why does she avoid it?
Light symbolizes truth and reality, which Blanche avoids because it exposes her aging and the truth about her past.
How does Stella react when Blanche tells her about Stanley’s assault?
Stella chooses to believe Stanley and sends Blanche away to a mental institution.
Stella to Stanley about Blanche: “And admire her dress and tell her she's looking wonderful. That's important with Blanche. Her little weakness!”
- What theme is this related to?
Female dependency; Blanche is dependent on compliments and flattery, especially by men.
How does Stanley’s treatment of Blanche reflect the theme of power and control?
Stanley seeks to break Blanche’s illusions and assert his dominance over her; example is giving her the bus ticket
What happens in the final scene of the play, and why is it significant?
Stella sends Blanche to a mental institution, signifying Blanche’s complete mental and emotional collapse and Stella’s denial of reality.
How does the poker game symbolize the dynamic between Stanley and Blanche?
The poker game represents Stanley’s dominance, aggression, and power struggle with Blanche.
What significant event from Blanche’s past is linked to her fragile mental state?
The suicide of her young husband after she discovered he was gay.
“You’re not clean enough to bring in the house with my mother.” Who says this, and why is it important?
Mitch; it signifies his rejection of Blanche after learning about her past, contributing to her breakdown.
How is the theme of desire linked to Blanche’s downfall?
Her desire for love and affection causes her to lie and pretend to be something she is not. It also ruins her reputation and causes her to lose her job.
T or F? The rape of Blanche was foreshadowed throughout the play.
How do you know?
True ; Stanley says, "We've had this date with each other since the beginning" right before he assaults Blanche.
What does the Polka Music represent in the play
Blanche's Trauma