Scene 1 Quotes Flashcards
(23 cards)
Analyse the name of the houses being Elysian Fields
Elysian = heaven - contradicts the urban American setting
Why is raffish charm significant
Strong sense of community depicted.
Unconventional but charming
What does the white frame of the house show us
The French influence over New Orleans
Analyse ascend
Idea of going up to heaven - going up stairs to their houses brings them sanctuary and peace
Faint redolences of bananas and coffee
Sensory. emphasises idea of the two races finally mixing comfortably
Blue piano
Motif - represents blanches presence and deteriorating mind
Spirit of the life
Strong sense of life within the community
Cosmopolitan and intermingling
Shows the segregation breaking down
How is Stanley initially depicted
“Roughly” shows he does physical work/ labour - works for his money but may foreshadow his primitive behaviour as he is already rough
“ blue denim work clothes “ working class - doesn’t strive to Beanything - clashes with Blanches American dream
Stanley ( bellowing)
Word choice was friends but he says it aggressively - friendly exterior is a facade - contrasts with actual personality
Stanley - “catch “,”meat!”
Short sentences paint him as inarticulate and unintelligent. Very dismissive of Stella
Stanley “ heaves” the meat at Stella
Heaves himself at her? She accepts it - gender roles
Fulfills her job as the the weaker person - submissive - could be sexual
“Can I come watch?” Stella
Relies on him - misogyny of the book of women relying on men. Asking many questions in a short amount of time - anxious to be without him - perhaps doesn’t trust him or feels unsafe in her own head - needs him to offer her stability. Mental health issues run in their family
“ Be over soon “ - Stella
Doting - knows he doesn’t care if she’s there or not so stays for a moment
“Stella goes out”
If she’s away for to long he may become frustrated / take his anger out on her
Blanche initial description
“Shocked” - displeased that Stella has to live like this
“Incongruous” - doesn’t fit the crowd - doesn’t fit in with world? Why she has to be taken away
“ White” theme is angelic - foreshadows her weakness and delicate mind
“Clothes suggests a moth” - attracted to light/ wealth. Very delicate - her well dressed exterior is transparent
“ get off at Elysian Fields” final resting place- ironic- not heavenly for her at all, and setting is rough
Blanche - “ I mean, mrs Stanley kowalski”
Doesn’t have a name anymore - anonymous - becomes Stanley’s property
What is noticeable about blanches demeanour
(“Wanting to get rid of her”) - contrasts Stella’s warmth, looks down on her
What is important about the description of Blanche when she enters Stanley and Stella’s house?
“Stiffly” “slightly hunched” “legs pressed close together” “hands tightly clutching her purse “ - she’s uncomfortable and feels assaulted by the unfamiliar surroundings
What is noticeable about the description of Blanche drinking whiskey
“ tosses it down” not lady like - appearances vs reality
“Washes out the tumbler at the sink” - concealment - drinking problem
“ I’ve got to keep hold of myself” - paranoia - knows it’s a problem
Stella and Blanche meeting “feverish “ and “spasmodic”
Highly energised reunion, suggests erratic trait runs in family
“No ones my limit” - Blanche
Concealment, Blanche is introduced as a single woman and also is not content with this - could be relying on alcohol as a replacement for a man - Williams paints unmarried life for women negatively and suggests women can’t cope without men
“God love you for a liar” Blanche
Accusatory. Craves attention but then acts blasé when she gets it
