Scene 1 Flashcards
What is Plastic Theatre?
Plastic Theatre uses props, stage directions, sound effects to represent truths through symbolism.
How is Plastic Theatre used in the play?
Plastic Theatre is used when Stanley, the male antagonist, throws a piece of meat at his wife, Stella, to represent his dominance and hyper-masculinity. It also shows his aggressively misogynistic and predatory mentality towards women.
How does Williams set the tone for the play in the opening Stage Directions?
Williams uses the Stage Directions at the beginning of the play to explore the complexity of New Orleans by describing it as having “a relatively warm and easy intermingling of races”. This highlights some of the key themes in the play; sexual desire and freedom. Williams has purposely chosen “The Big Easy” to be the setting of his play because it juxtaposes the rest of the Deep South which, in 1947, was unaccepting, harsh and conservative.
Where do Stella and Stanley live?
Elysian Fields, New Orleans.
What is the significance of Elysian Fields and how does it foreshadow Blanches fate?
Elysian Fields is the resting place for fallen hero’s in Greek mythology. This foreshadows Blanches fate because she is the tragic hero of the play who is haunted by her past and suffers from the cruel and animalistic behaviour she receives from Stanley.
How does Williams use Stage Directions to portray Blanche’s fear when she first arrives at Elysian Fields?
Williams utilises the Stage Directions “…” to manipulate Blanche’s demeanour when she arrives at the home of Stella and Stanley. This shows that she is confused and lost not only physically, but emotionally as well.
The Following List Should Replace The Ellipsis.
- Her appearance is incongruous to this setting
- Faintly hysterical humour
- She catches her breath with a startled gesture
- Stuttered speech
- Clipped speech
What is the technique that uses props, stage direction and sound effects to convey ideas and give an example.
Plastic Theatre - all throughout Scene 1 the “Blue Piano” can be heard which connotes to Blanche’s loneliness and longing for love.
When Stanley throws a piece of meat at Stella what does it represent?
The action of Stanley throwing a piece of meat represents his aggressively misogynistic and predatory mentality towards women and it also shows his dominance and hyper-masculinity. This is Plastic Theatre.
What is Elysian Fields?
The home of Stella and Stanley.
How is Blanche a tragic hero?
Blanche is a tragic hero because she is haunted by her past and bears the brunt of Stanley’s cruel behaviour.
