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Quotations List- Mitch- A Level English Literature
An extensive list of quotations for Harold Mitchell, with analysis, from “A Streetcar Named Desire”. Designed for A Level English Literature.
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Harold MitchellSCENE THREE
● “Aw, for God’s sake, go home, then!… Hurry back and we’ll fix you a sugar-tit”- Mitch
is ridiculed frequently, making him an outsider amongst the men. Stanley and Mitch
provide juxtaposing ideals of masculinity.
● The contrast between Mitch and Stanley is seen in their jobs. Mitch works “on the
precision bench in the spare parts department”. This implies that he doesn’t fit into
the mould of traditional, working-class masculinity, as he has the delicacy required
for fine work. He is the “spare part”, an odd-man-out.
● “And when he goes home he’ll deposit them one by one in a piggy bank his mother
gave him for Christmas… [Mitch laughs uncomfortably]”- the stage direction indicates
how Mitch is alienated within the group. He doesn’t know how to respond to their
mocking jokes, as he realises that their impression of him is true. This sets him apart
from the group.
● “We’ve- been drinking beer… It’s- a hot weather drink”- Mitch’ fragmented speech
highlights his social discomfort.
○ In juxtaposition, Blanche speaks with ease, demonstrating her ability to have
power over Mitch in conversation, to secure her own position (“I hate beer…
Oh, I don’t think so; it always makes me warmer. Have you got any cigs?”-
her question, relaxed tone, and informal language indicates comfort).
● “A very strange girl, very sweet- very!”- the repetition emphasises the depth of
Mitch’s emotions (suggesting that he has more in common with Blanche than with
Stanley), but also his lack of eloquence.
● “[adjusting the lantern]”- the stage direction demonstrates how Mitch allows himself to
be convinced by Blanche. He is manipulated into covering up the truth, willingly
ignorant. He engages in the trickery- he is partially responsible as a bystander. His
actions contrast those of Stanley, who will later rip off the lantern to signify how he
has aggressively exposed the truth.
● “Mitch…moves in an awkward imitation like a dancing bear”- the simile indicates that,
whilst Mitch isn’t from Blanche’s background, he attempts to complement it.
● Mitch is the only one who attempts to help after Stanley’s attack, taking action by
asking “Where is the clothes?”
● Mitch asks “All quiet on the Potomac now?”- this alludes to a key battle in the
American Civil War, signifying a violent crash between modernity (Stanley) and
tradition (Blanche). Stella’s return to Stanley marks his victory.
SCENE FIVE
● “I want to breathe quietly again! Yes- I want Mitch…very badly!”- Mitch is a symbol of
hope for Blanche- hope for stability and a future.
SCENE SIX
● “Mitch is stolid but depressed”- both Mitch and Blanche are exhausted from the act of
hiding the truth. Both show signs of discomfort.
○ “[Mitch laughs uneasily]”
○ Mitch speaks “[heavily]”
○ Blanche (almost condescendingly) refers to Mitch as a “Good boy!” Initially,
Mitch is the weak one, with Blanche serving as the powerful, superior partner.
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