themes Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is the driving force behind the characters in A Streetcar Named Desire?
Sexual desire
The power of sexual desire is described as the engine propelling the characters’ actions.
How does Blanche perceive her interactions with men?
As flirtation
Blanche’s interactions with men always begin with flirtation, reflecting her view of herself as an object of male sexual desire.
What does Blanche do to attract Mitch’s attention?
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.
What is Blanche’s reaction to the Young Man’s advances?
Aggressive sexuality
Blanche nearly attacks the Young Man, flirting heavily with him and kissing him.
What does Blanche’s clothing symbolize?
Her femininity and desire
Blanche dresses provocatively to call attention to her body and her femininity.
How does Blanche’s view of her desirability relate to her identity?
Losing desirability equates to losing identity
Blanche clings to her sexuality as losing it is akin to losing her reason to live.
What is Stella’s desire for Stanley associated with?
Brute, animal sexuality
Stella is drawn to Stanley’s raw sexuality, which contrasts with her traditional femininity.
How does Stanley’s violence affect his relationship with Stella?
Maintains their relationship
Despite Stanley’s violence, their sexual dynamic keeps them together.
What is the connection between sexual desire and destruction in the play?
Sexual desire is linked to violence and loss
Even loving relationships feature violence, and Blanche’s pursuit of desire leads to her downfall.
What does Blanche’s journey on the streetcar signify?
Her mental descent
The journey foreshadows Blanche’s decline as she reaches the end of her line.
What tension exists in Blanche’s character?
Between fantasy and reality
Blanche’s desire for magic conflicts with the harsh realities of her life.
How does Blanche maintain her illusions?
Through her appearance and behavior
She uses paper lanterns and satin robes to hide her troubled past.
What happens to Blanche by the end of the play?
Taken to a mental asylum
Blanche is permanently removed from reality, unable to distinguish fantasy from real life.
What does the physical setting of the Kowalskis’ apartment represent?
The relationship between interior and exterior
The apartment symbolizes the tension between the mind and real life.
What social class distinctions are highlighted through Blanche’s character?
Her attempts to maintain appearances
Blanche tries to uphold an image of upper-class status despite being a ‘fallen woman.’
How does music function in the play?
Blurs the boundary between interior and exterior
Music expresses characters’ emotions and allows the audience insight into Blanche’s psyche.
How is masculinity portrayed through Stanley?
As brute, aggressive, and animalistic
Stanley’s physicality and actions emphasize a dominant and violent masculinity.
What is the contrast between Stanley and Mitch’s masculinity?
Stanley is aggressive, Mitch is comforting
Stanley represents alpha male dominance, while Mitch provides a less threatening masculine presence.
How do Blanche and Stella’s views on femininity differ?
Blanche clings to illusions, Stella embraces reality
Blanche seeks fulfillment through men while Stella accepts her circumstances.
What does Stella’s pregnancy symbolize?
The real, physical nature of femininity
Stella’s pregnancy reflects her acceptance of her identity as a woman.
How does Blanche view her past relationships?
As sources of emotional fulfillment
Blanche’s tragic marriage leads her to seek refuge in her relationships with men.
Fill in the blank: Blanche insists that Stella should contact ______ for financial assistance.
Shep Huntleigh
This reflects Blanche’s dependence on men for security.
