Scene 7

Question 1

dramatic irony in scene 7

Answer 1

the full dramatic impact relies not on the unsavoury details of Blanche’s past, but on Blanche’s ignorance of the discussion taking place outside the bathroom. The dramatic irony of her ‘[singing blithely]’ in the bath, almost within earshot of the conversation, plays an important part in raising tension. The two different sounds that are heard ‘contrapuntally’ (Blanche’s singing and Stanley’s speech) epitomise tensions and emphasise their differences –> ‘a saccharine popular ballad which is used contrapuntally with Stanley’s speech.’

Question 2

‘[mimicking]’ x2

Answer 2

Stanley mimicks Blanche twice: tensions are at an all-time high. it is increasingly apparent that Stanley can’t stand living with Blanche any longer, and the end is near.

Question 3

Paper Moon

Answer 3

the song that Blanche sings in this scene. it is overtly ironic. this scene is brimming with irony

Question 4

“Didn’t your supply-man give you that information?”

Answer 4

emphasises that society has been harsh to Blanche: all everyone knows about her are her sordid actions, not what caused them. the New South is harsh and ruthless - there is no sympathy for people who make mistakes. this links to Williams’ own quote about the play and what the rape represents - the “ravishment of the tender, the sensitive, the delicate, by the savage and brutal forces of modern society”.