Stella

Question 1

Stella’s initial appearance

Answer 1

‘a gentle young woman… of a background obviously quite different from her husband’s”

we are not given much information about Stella’s appearance or character, unlike Blanche and Stanley. does this potentially signify Stella’s lack of character throughout the rest of the play? She seems to lack the vibrancy, life and complexity given to Blanche and Stanley…

Is this Williams’ way of highlighting Stella’s complicity when it comes to Stanley? Is Stella meant to be the most realistic character surrounded by her caricature-like husband and sister? Or is it an attempt to show the role women often had to play in the 1940s?

Question 2

Stella’s responses to being patronised by Blanche vs when she patronises Stanley

Answer 2

…

Question 3

Stella’s love for Stanley is the cornerstone of her existence

Answer 3

“Can I come watch?”

Question 4

Stella’s ignorance of her own mistreatment

Answer 4

‘Her eyes go blind with tenderness’

Question 5

“No, it isn’t all right for anybody to make such a terrible row, but - …”

Answer 5

“… people do sometimes.”