Scene Four Flashcards
1
Q
“[Her eyes and lips have that almost narcotised tranquility]”
A
- suggests peace; juxtaposes previous scene
- literal calm after the storm
- verb ‘narcotised’ suggests Stanley is her drug; she is addicted to him
- Stella is beautiful without trying
2
Q
“When men are drinking and playing poker anything can happen. It’s always a powder-keg.”
A
- generalised comment
- litotes to downplay Stanley’s behaviour
- powder keg is a type of explosive: she is blinded by her love for Stanley
3
Q
“I was - sort of - thrilled by it”
A
- verb ‘thriller’ suggests arousal by aggression
- epitomises her blindness in the face of lust
4
Q
“Pull yourself together and face the facts.”
A
- imperative; harsh
- ironic as Blanche cant face it herself
5
Q
“People have got to tolerate each other’s habits, I guess”
A
- ‘I guess’ suggests uncertainty
- belittling the situation; shows how this behaviour was normality for women
6
Q
“Yes. I ran into Shep Huntleigh.”
A
- Shep is an unseen character who represents Blanche’s fantasy of the Old South
- He had wealth and status, embodying the traditions of the past
7
Q
“He likes to pay bills himself, but - this morning he gave me ten dollars to smooth things over.”
A
- Stanley controls her financial situation and bribed her to be forgiven
- Women only have access to money through men
8
Q
“He acts like an animal, has an animals habits! Eats like one, moves like one, talks like one!”
A
- simile
- repetition devalues his characteristics
- Blanche reiterates her judgmental attitude towards men
- figurative language to build incrementum
9
Q
“Such things as art - as poetry and music - such kinds of new light have come into the world since then!”
A
- Romanticising the Old South
- Stanley represents the new south: greedy
- rule of 3
10
Q
“[Stanley hesitates, licking his lips]”
A
- predatory movements
- now knows how Blanche truly feels: can use this against her
11
Q
“[Stella has embraced him with both arms, fiercely]”
A
- Unwilling to listen to Blanche
- adverb ‘fiercely’ suggest loyalty
