I made this PowerPoint in preparation for my A-Level English exam, in which I achieved an A*. This document contains around 20 quotes for all of the main characters in the play, accompanied by detailed analysis and literary techniques.
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STELLA
“You never did give me a chance to say much, Blanche. So, I just got in the habit of being quiet around you”- The personalities
of Stella and Blanche are in sharp contrast with each other throughout the play. Blanche, the more talkative of the two, is the
sister of words, while Stella is the sister of action.
• “You have no idea how stupid and horrid you’re being! Now close that trunk before she comes out of the bathroom!”- Stella
criticises Stanley for being suspicious of Blanche, one of the first examples of Stella taking Blanche’s side over Stanley’s. She often
takes the high road while Blanche and Stanley seem to vie for places on the low road
• “This is my house and I’ll talk as much as I want to!”- In a rare moment of dominance, Stella reminds her husband that he can’t
tell her what or what not to do.
• “Drunk—drunk—animal thing, you! [She rushes through to the poker table] All of you—please go home!”- Stanley has just
thrown the radio out the window and soon turns his violent temper on Stella until his friends pull him away. Unfortunately, Stella
soon returns to Stanley, revealing he has her in his firm psychological grasp.
• “He didn’t know what he was doing . . . He was as good as a lamb when I came back and he’s really very, very ashamed of
himself”- Stella makes excuses for Stanley’s abusive behaviour. For Stella as for Stanley, the line between sexuality and physical
violence blurs and Stella admits that Stanley has always been volatile. Blanche acts appalled but secretly feels attracted. As usual,
her reaction is dramatic but dishonest.
• “You take it for granted that I am in something that I want to get out of.”- This is the main point of contention between the
sisters. Blanche considers Stella’s life and marriage intolerable or pretends to. Stella defends and clings to her marriage. She is
satisfied with her home and her marriage
• “But there are things that happen between a man and a woman in the dark—that sort of make everything else seem—
unimportant”- highlights the desire felt by Stella towards Stanley, shes completely possessed and blinded by it which is why she
doesn’t see how abusive he is. Stella, like Stanley, is driven by her sexuality and considers it paramount to a good life and a good
marriage.
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