This document contains a full analysis of the critical quotes from scene 9 of Streetcar. It tracks through the scene in chronological order and is designed to help students hit A01 and A02 fro WJEC examinations. However, they provide a useful guide for any exam board.
Previously seen in Scene 1 when warn by Stanley. This
costume change my connote Mitch's change in perception
‘blue denim shirt and pants’ (pg. 83)
of Blanche and her facade. It may also foreshadow his
change in attitude towards her.
Old Southern Belle language of gallantry- Blanche retreating
‘Utterly uncavalier’ (pg. 83)
to her illusionary facade of the old culture
Mitch's movements now reflect Stanley's predatorial and
‘[he stalks into the bedroom]’ (pg. 84) animalistic qualities foreshadowing his change in attitude
towards her.
Blanches description of Mitch's appearance likens him to
‘uncouth apparel’ (pg. 84)
Stanley- Blanche sees the resemblance.
Repeat of the events from scene 1 signals the return to her
‘I don’t know what there is to drink’ (pg. 84)
original facade and deceit.
Mitch's look is resentful and un-respectful, contrasting to his
‘[stares at her contemptuously]’ (pg. 85) previous looks of ‘delight’ when she was dancing, indicating
his change in attitude.
The name of the liquor creates a sense of irony in her lack
‘Southern Comfort’ (pg. 85)
of comfort found from the Old Southern ways.
Relates back to Scene 3 when Mitch puts the lantern up,
singling the start of their relationship. Here, Mitch destroys
‘[He tears the paper lantern]’ (pg. 86)
the romantic ideals of the relationship and reveals the true
nature behind the facade.
‘I don’t want realism’ (pg. 86) Blanche explicitly declares her need for illusions. This may
relate to the theme of madness surrounding Blanche as she
‘I don’t tell the truth. I tell what ought to be openly discards reality.
the truth’ (pg. 86) She similarly declares that she had lied and been deceitful.
Through sarcasm, Blanche mocks the idea that she is
deadly through her overt female sexuality. This may relate to
her being a FEMME FATALE which is an archetype of
‘The Tarantula Arms’ (pg. 87)
femininity- a mysterious and seductive woman whose
charms ensnare her lovers, often leading them into
compromising, dangerous, and deadly situations.
Here, for the first time, Blanche admits her past. However, it
is a paradoxical phrase as she cannot be close to someone
‘Yes, I had intimacies with strangers’ (pg. she doesn't know, but she can still have an intimacy with
87) strangers.
This is contradictory of her previous behaviour towards
Mitch.
In Blanches presentation of her past, she gives a reason for
her behaviour (which has not been heard before.)
‘protection’ (pg. 87)
If read through a Darwinian perspective then it shows that
Blanche was following her survival instinct.
An oxymoron, possibly showing her conflicting emotions
‘[sobbing laughter]’ (pg. 87)
both against Mitch and her past.
‘My youth was suddenly gone up the water Intertextual reference to a nursery rhyme further illustrates
spout’ (pg. 87) her childlike illusions.
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