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themes Flashcards

(22 cards)

1
Q

What is the driving force behind the characters in A Streetcar Named Desire?

A

Sexual desire

The power of sexual desire is described as the engine propelling the characters’ actions.

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2
Q

How does Blanche perceive her interactions with men?

A

As flirtation

Blanche’s interactions with men always begin with flirtation, reflecting her view of herself as an object of male sexual desire.

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3
Q

What does Blanche do to attract Mitch’s attention?

A

Adopts the guise of a chaste lover

Blanche lights upon Mitch as a possible suitor and presents herself as a chaste lover for him to pursue.

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4
Q

What is Blanche’s reaction to the Young Man’s advances?

A

Aggressive sexuality

Blanche nearly attacks the Young Man, flirting heavily with him and kissing him.

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5
Q

What does Blanche’s clothing symbolize?

A

Her femininity and desire

Blanche dresses provocatively to call attention to her body and her femininity.

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6
Q

How does Blanche’s view of her desirability relate to her identity?

A

Losing desirability equates to losing identity

Blanche clings to her sexuality as losing it is akin to losing her reason to live.

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7
Q

What is Stella’s desire for Stanley associated with?

A

Brute, animal sexuality

Stella is drawn to Stanley’s raw sexuality, which contrasts with her traditional femininity.

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8
Q

How does Stanley’s violence affect his relationship with Stella?

A

Maintains their relationship

Despite Stanley’s violence, their sexual dynamic keeps them together.

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9
Q

What is the connection between sexual desire and destruction in the play?

A

Sexual desire is linked to violence and loss

Even loving relationships feature violence, and Blanche’s pursuit of desire leads to her downfall.

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10
Q

What does Blanche’s journey on the streetcar signify?

A

Her mental descent

The journey foreshadows Blanche’s decline as she reaches the end of her line.

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11
Q

What tension exists in Blanche’s character?

A

Between fantasy and reality

Blanche’s desire for magic conflicts with the harsh realities of her life.

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12
Q

How does Blanche maintain her illusions?

A

Through her appearance and behavior

She uses paper lanterns and satin robes to hide her troubled past.

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13
Q

What happens to Blanche by the end of the play?

A

Taken to a mental asylum

Blanche is permanently removed from reality, unable to distinguish fantasy from real life.

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14
Q

What does the physical setting of the Kowalskis’ apartment represent?

A

The relationship between interior and exterior

The apartment symbolizes the tension between the mind and real life.

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15
Q

What social class distinctions are highlighted through Blanche’s character?

A

Her attempts to maintain appearances

Blanche tries to uphold an image of upper-class status despite being a ‘fallen woman.’

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16
Q

How does music function in the play?

A

Blurs the boundary between interior and exterior

Music expresses characters’ emotions and allows the audience insight into Blanche’s psyche.

17
Q

How is masculinity portrayed through Stanley?

A

As brute, aggressive, and animalistic

Stanley’s physicality and actions emphasize a dominant and violent masculinity.

18
Q

What is the contrast between Stanley and Mitch’s masculinity?

A

Stanley is aggressive, Mitch is comforting

Stanley represents alpha male dominance, while Mitch provides a less threatening masculine presence.

19
Q

How do Blanche and Stella’s views on femininity differ?

A

Blanche clings to illusions, Stella embraces reality

Blanche seeks fulfillment through men while Stella accepts her circumstances.

20
Q

What does Stella’s pregnancy symbolize?

A

The real, physical nature of femininity

Stella’s pregnancy reflects her acceptance of her identity as a woman.

21
Q

How does Blanche view her past relationships?

A

As sources of emotional fulfillment

Blanche’s tragic marriage leads her to seek refuge in her relationships with men.

22
Q

Fill in the blank: Blanche insists that Stella should contact ______ for financial assistance.

A

Shep Huntleigh

This reflects Blanche’s dependence on men for security.