Scene 9

Question 1

Summary of events in scene 9.

Answer 1

• Mitch accuses Blanche of lying about her age/innocence.
• Blanche tries to explain herself
• Mitch says he can’t marry her anymore because she’s not “clean enough” - but clearly wants to have sex with her.

Question 2

Which scene with, also with Blanche and Mitch, heavily contrasts this scene in the play?

Answer 2

• Scene 6.

Question 3

What is Blanche wearing at the beginning of this scene, what does think link to?

Answer 3

• “scarlett satin robe” Links to her promiscuous nature, revealed by her past.

Question 4

Give references to light in scene 9. Significance of them.

Answer 4

• Blanche says “darkness comforts (her)”
• Mitch “tears the paper lantern off the light bulb.” Pulling away Blanche’s facade, revealing the truth. He put it up but now he’s putting it down, destroying their relationship/ tinted view he saw Blanche through.

Question 5

What does Blanche reveal the name of the hotel she stayed at was called?

Answer 5

• “Tarantula arms.”
• “Tarantula” links to the web of lies Blanche creates around herself.
• Tarantulas kill moths, Blanche is self-destoying herseld (described as moth in her opening description.)

Question 6

What two different nursery rhymes does Blanche refer to in this scene? Significance?

Answer 6

• “my youth went up the water spout.”
• Described how Stanley has “tied an old tin can to the tail of the kite.”
• Old tin would make noise, rattling (Blanche finds this uncomfortbale.)
• “kite”: Blanche is NOT predatory, she is weak.

Question 7

Significance of the mexican street seller in this scene.

Answer 7

• Says: “flores para los muertos.”
• “Flowers for the dead”, reminder that her metaphorical death is imminent.

Question 8

Why does Blanche scream “fire, fire!” at end of scene 9?

Answer 8

• Mitch says he wants what “I’ve been missing all summer” ie. he wants to have sex with her but not marry her.
• “Fire” –> symbol of Blanche’s destruction/ symbol for danger. Fire –> radiates light, just like Blanche’s truths have been radiated for everyone to see, can’t hide in darkness.

Question 9

What music is played at beginning of this scene?

Answer 9

• Polka music
• Same music when Allan Grey died, Blanche is constantly reliving this memory.

Question 10

Contrasts in language/ imagery used in scene 6 vs scene 9.

Answer 10

• Scene 6: French used (Blanche = Dame aux Camellias). Scene 9: Mexican used.
• Scene 6: literary references. Scene 9: nursery rhymes.
• Both scenes: imagery of the paper lantern.

Question 11

Music in scene 6 vs scene 9.

Answer 11

• Scene 6: polka music, locomotive.
• Scene 9: music in her head, distant piano (hope of Old South returning = completely fading.)

Question 12

Describe how Mitch’s behaviour has completely changed from scene 6 to 9.

Answer 12

• Scene 6: “can I kiss you tonight?” Very respectful.
• Scene 9: “places his hand on her waist”/ “tears off paper lantern” –> destroying all barriers so he can have access to her!!