Scene 1 analysis Flashcards
where does the play take place?
Elysian Fields, New Orleans
what is ‘Elysian Fields’?
where the ancient Greeks thought heroes went after death
is Blanche’s desire her downfall?
yes, her desire is a vehicle that transports her to heaven- or leads to her death
what was New Orleans like?
multicultural and cosmopolitan, it is the home of Jazz. there are contrasts between the Old French architecture and the new Jazz
why do the characters have a good reason to come into conflict?
the apartment is small and the weather is hot and oppressive. there aren’t many places for the characters to feel comfortable
what does Belle Reve stand for and why is the name significant?
beautiful dream- it is a thing of the past, it came and went like a dream does. it almost seems like it never existed. it now only exists in Blanche’s dreams
what does Blanche cling to?
her aristocratic background, she is a poor woman but doesn’t act like it
why is desire a central theme to the play?
Blanche can’t come to terms with it, she is repelled and fascinated by Stanley. she is jealous that Stella followed her desire, leaving blanche trapped and let her desire consume her due to her loneliness
what are our first impressions of Stanley?
he is comfortable with his desire and satisfying his physical needs. he has a crude attitude towards women and regards them in a sexual manner. the audience isn’t sure of his personality
why is the setting one of decay?
due to the dying Old south and the dying DuBois family. Blanche’s life in Laurel was filled with death and decay
what is Blanche’s first monologue like?
a graphic description of tending to the terminally ill and her dead husband is mentioned.
why is Blanche’s first monologue significant?
it seems that Blanche is unloading her emotional baggage onto Stella, as she wasn’t there to support her. she thinks that Stella must be disturbed and as upset as Blanche, as she should have been there for her family. Blanche may also be wanting a sympathetic reaction from the audience
what are some differences between Stanley and Blanche?
background- Stanley is a working class immigrant and blanche belonged to a wealthy family and the plantation home era ‘Southern Belle’
3 key quotes from this scene
‘you left! I stayed and struggled!’
‘I stayed and fought for it, bled for it, bled for it, almost died for it!’
‘where were you! in bed with your- Polack!’
first impressions of Blanche?
timid, traumatised, meek
