A Streetcar Named Desire

?
Stage Directions: "There is something about her uncertain manner, as well as her white clothes, that suggests a moth."
This description shows Blanche's vulnerability and troubled nature. It also links to the later theme of light: Blanche doesn't like to be seen in the light and moths are killed by it."
1 of 5
Stanley: "My clothes are stickin’ to me. Do you mind if I make myself comfortable?...Be comfortable is my motto."
Stanley's ease and comfort in taking his shirt off with Blanche present contrast sharply with Blanche’s rigid sense of sexual propriety and the hidden shame she harbours.
2 of 5
Stage Directions: "Blanche waltzes to the music with romantic gestures. Mitch is delighted and moves in awkward imitation like a dancing bear."
Blanche’s subtle charms and sophistication are clearly lost on Mitch. It’s interesting that, because of the almost caricature-like nature of the awkward Mitch, the audience is inclined to side with Stella’s choice of a partner, rather than Blanche’s.
3 of 5
Blanche: "But I have been foolish! Casting my pearls before swine!"
Stanley misunderstands Blanche's use of this expression, believing that she is calling him a pig, and this seems to be the catalyst for his intermittent **** of her.
4 of 5
Blanche: "Whoever you are - I have always depended on the kindness of strangers."
This is ironic for two reasons. Firstly, the doctor is not the chivalric gentleman of Blanche's dreams. Secondly, her dependence on the kindness of strangers has not fared well for her in life - they have been kind in return for sex.
5 of 5

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Stanley's ease and comfort in taking his shirt off with Blanche present contrast sharply with Blanche’s rigid sense of sexual propriety and the hidden shame she harbours.

Back

Stanley: "My clothes are stickin’ to me. Do you mind if I make myself comfortable?...Be comfortable is my motto."

Card 3

Front

Blanche’s subtle charms and sophistication are clearly lost on Mitch. It’s interesting that, because of the almost caricature-like nature of the awkward Mitch, the audience is inclined to side with Stella’s choice of a partner, rather than Blanche’s.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Stanley misunderstands Blanche's use of this expression, believing that she is calling him a pig, and this seems to be the catalyst for his intermittent **** of her.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

This is ironic for two reasons. Firstly, the doctor is not the chivalric gentleman of Blanche's dreams. Secondly, her dependence on the kindness of strangers has not fared well for her in life - they have been kind in return for sex.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar English Literature resources:

See all English Literature resources »See all A Streetcare Named Desire resources »