Scene 3 analysis

Question 1

what is the aim of poker?

Answer 1

to win, people bet a lot of money and it can easily get aggressive. its a ‘mens game’. it is played seriously

Question 2

what are the differences between the male and female worlds?

Answer 2

men belong to the competitive world of poker, women value a world where relationships are more important than competition and games

Question 3

why is the reference to Van Gogh significant?

Answer 3

the light and hard primary colours links to Stanley’s primitive nature and harsh masculinity

Question 4

what is the Poker party’s dramatic purpose?

Answer 4

to demonstrate his domination over his friends. they’re devoted to him and handle him tenderly when he’s drunk

Question 5

what is Blanche’s reaction to Stanley’s violence?

Answer 5

she’s hysterical and determined to get her away from him. Blanche poses a threat to their relationship which makes Stanley more determined to be rid of her and return to dominating Stella completely

Question 6

what is the dramatic function of sexual undertones?

Answer 6

foreshadow the shocking climax that destroys Blanche’s sanity- she is raped and gives the wrong impression to Stanley that she is sexually attracted to him in the earlier scenes- really she uses her sexuality to survive

Question 7

what is Stella and Stanley’s relationship built on?

Answer 7

physical attraction and violence- it excites her

Question 8

why is Blanche’s character contradictory?

Answer 8

Williams presents her as a genteel southern lady who expects men to stand when she enters and who can’t bear a vulgar or rude remark, but she is also a cheap seductress (appearance vs reality)

Question 9

what is the significance of the Chinese lantern?

Answer 9

to hide the ugly reality of her life. the lantern is flimsy and doesn’t well conceal Blanche’s age and promiscuity

Question 10

3 key quotes from this scene

Answer 10

‘I can’t stand a naked lightbulb’

‘Stanley charges after Stella’

‘they come together with low, animal moans’