Setting
Kowalski’s hometown.
What is New Orleans?
This theme is introduced in scene 1 when Blanche sneaks a bottle of whisky and gulps some down before Stanley and Stella arrive (stage directions).
What is the theme of alcohol?
We see this symbolism first addressed in scene 1 when Blanche said to Stella: "Turn that off! I won't be looked at in this merciless glare!"
What is light/darkness?
Polish Immigrant, Veteran, and Antagonist.
Who is Stanley?
Piano plays when Blanche is sharing her loss of Belle Reve. The sound conveys inner tension and melancholy. It does this throughout the play. This is where it comes from.
What is stage directions?
The stage directions described the humble two-room flat as the downstairs (main floor) of the house in a busy gritty neighbourhood (including black Americans).
What is the Kowalski flat?
Introduced to Stanley's primal masculinity in scene 1 through his bowling jacket, the red stain on his clothing from the package of meat that he brought home (which he threw to Stella).
What is the theme of Machismo?
The meaning of Blanche’s last name: DuBois.
What is "wood”?
Abused, Pregnant, in Love.
Who is Stella?
Blanche (about Stanley in Scene 6):
"He hates me. Or why would he insult me? The first time I laid eyes on him I thought to myself, that man is my executioner!"
What is foreshadow?
She said this about the Kowalski home: "This – can this be – her home?" She also called it a "horrible place".
Who is Blanche?
Blanche (with faintly hysterical humour):
"They told me to take a street-car named Desire, and then transfer to one called Cemeteries and ride six blocks and get off at - Elysian Fields."
What is the theme of destructive desires?
Meaning of Belle Reve.
What is “Beautiful Dream”?
He committed suicide during the Varsouviana Polka.
Who is Blanche’s husband?
Blanch:
"He thinks I'm sort of prim and proper, you know! (she laughs out sharply). I want to deceive him enough to me him - want me."
What is indirect characterisation (or direct speech)?
A gritty cosmopolitan, racially integrated home of immigrants’ city, situated in the south (New Orleans).
What is New South?
Blanch sing in the bathtub in Scene 7:
"It's only a paper moon, Just as phony as it can be -but it wouldn't be make believe If you believed in me."
What is the theme of fantasy and escape?
The meaning of Blanche's first name.
What is white or pure?
He said to Blanch:
"Just give me a slap if I get out of bounds".
Who is Mitch?
The SYNTAX used by Blanch: Excuse me while I slip on my pretty new dress! Ha-ha! Clothes are my passion!
The streetcar stop in Kowalski’s neighbourhood that means “home of the dead”.
What is Elysian Fields?
Blanche to Mitch in Scene 6:
"I guess it is just that I have old - fashion ideals!" (she rolls her eyes knowing that he cannot see her face).
What is the theme of image versus reality?
When Stanley asks Blanch about whether or not she was ever married, the audience heard this for the first time them. We hear this often when Blanch is upset.
What is the Varsouviana Polka?
Blanche:
Young man! Young, young, young man! Has anyone ever told you that you look like a young Prince out of Arabian Nights?"
Who is the young newspaper collector (or called “the Young Man” in the script)?
Two figurative devices used by Blanch about Stanley: "He acts like an animal, has animal habits?
What is a simile and a metaphor?