“This game is a seven card stud” - Stanley’s friend, Act 11,
Wild poker game and it’s a symbol of the deception and the bluffing that has happened in the household. Evokes pathos, as it ends the play, they too serve to underline the pathos of Blanche’s fate, by the very unconcern they show
“Streetcar named Desire, transfer to one called Cemeteries and get off at Elysian Fields”
the Elysian fields are where the heroes go - ultimate paradise. Sets a foreshadowing for the play with the sense of being sent away. In reality, this place is a working class community. The symbolism of the Elysian Fields illustrates the stark contrast between what Blanche and Stella/Stanley recognise as normal
“There is something about her uncertain manner, as well as her white clothes, that suggests a moth.”
Blanche is drawn to a flame that will destroy her - motif of light : truth
“Allan Gray”
Blanche is white and Allan ‘stained’ her innocence
“He sizes women up at a glance, with sexual classifications, crude images flashing into his mind and determining the way he smiles at them” – Stage directions, Scene 1
These stage directions place Stanley firmly as both masculine and dominant - for Stanley, masculinity and sexuality are connected
“I can’t stand a naked light bulb, any more than I can a rude remark or a vulgar action” – Blanche, Scene 3
Symbol in the play, as it is torn down later by both Mitch and Stanley, representing the tearing away of the illusion Blanche has created around herself - exposing the hidden truth
“Poker shouldn’t be played in a house with women” – Mitch, Scene 3
Mitch believes women are soft, gentle and should be protected from anything unpleasant or rough - underscores his inherent patriarchal values: doesn’t blame Stanley for his actions (hitting Stella) but blames the game as though it stirs something up in a man that he cannot help
“I want to kiss you – just once – softly and sweetly on your mouth…It would be nice to keep you, but I’ve got to be good and keep my hands off children” – Blanche, Scene 6
This quote is an example of Williams subverting normal gender stereotypes - instead of an innocent girl being corrupted by a more experienced man, Blanche is the one doing the corrupting - IN CONTROL (juxtaposes later with Stanley)
“Whoever you are – I have always depended on the kindness of strangers” – Blanche, Scene 11
The line is ironic as Blanche’s dependence on the “kindness of strangers” is the reason why her life has unravelled - in reality, strangers have only been kind in exchange for sex
A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it’s curved like a road through mountains. BLANCHE
Said while talking to Mitch, reflecting her romantic, poetic view of love and human nature
“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.”
BLANCHE
Shows Blanches lack of being independent - she is codependent and unstable herself.
“Some things are not forgivable. Deliberate cruelty is not forgivable. It is the most unforgivable thing in my opinion, and the one thing in which I have never, ever been guilty.”
BLANCHE
Blanche speaking to Mitch being hypocritical (ironic). Exposes Blanche’s self-deception and need to see herself as morally refined, even when her past contradicts that image.
“Physical beauty is passing - a transitory possession - but beauty of the mind, richness of the spirit, tenderness of the heart - I have all these things - aren’t taken away but grow! Increase with the years!”
BLANCHE
Blanche defending herself to Mitch. Saying that inner qualities are more valuable than physical beauty. Reflects her desperate attempt to maintain dignity and self-worth as her external world crumbles.
“Oh, you can’t describe someone you’re in love with!”
BLANCHE
Expressing the idea that true love is intense, and impossible to fully capture with words, which highlights her romantic/delusional view of relationships.
“And funerals are pretty compared to deaths.”
BLANCHE
Said while reflecting on her past and the trauma of her husband’s death. Showing her sensitivity to emotional suffering and her tendency to dramatise life’s tragedies.
“I can’t stand a naked light bulb, any more than I can a rude remark or a vulgar action.”
BLANCHE
Reveals her dislike for harsh reality. The naked light bulb symbolises brutal truth and exposure, which she finds unbearable. It reflects her need to shield herself from the harshness of life and maintain an illusion of delicacy and refinement.
“I want to rest. I want to breathe quietly again.”
BLANCHE
Expresses her overwhelming exhaustion and desire for peace after the emotional turmoil with Mitch and the collapse of her illusions - highlights her fragile mental state and longing for escape from the harsh realities of her life.
“Myself, myself, for being such a liar!” BLANCHE
Admitting to being a liar
“You’ve got to be soft and attractive. And I- I’m fading now!” BLANCHE
Yet again caring excessively about her looks - obsession
