Opening stage directions
*This scene presents a sense of hope for Blanche as Mitch
provides a chance for salvation- however, this will eventually be
destroyed
The utter exhaustion which only a neurasthenic personality can
know
Blanche continuously presented as nervous / exhausted
MITCH is solid but depressed
Opening description of Mitch and Blanche suggests their relationship
is doomed-no natural connection or energy between the two
characters
Conversation between Mitch and Blanche
BLANCHE: (stopping lifelessly at the steps)
Adverb- ‘lifelessly’-strong sense of bathos created as the audience
can clearly see the lack of genuine connection between Mitch and
Blanche
BLANCHE: Is that streetcar named Desire still grinding along the
tracks at this hour?
The streetcar is a metaphor for sexual desire-ironic-no desire
between Blanche and Mitch
BLANCHE: I simply couldn’t rise to the occasion
Contrast between straight-forward dialogue of uneducated Mitch
and the lofty language of Blanche-indicative of their class
differences
BLANCHE: I’m looking for the Pleaides, the Seven Sisters…
Cosmological language-attempt on Blanche’s part to appear
educated and erudite
MITCH: Can I- uh- kiss you- good night?
Question-stereotypical role of submissive female is undermined
somewhat as Blanche appears to hold a greater degree of power
and authority in the relationship-however, this is undermined as she
seemingly reverts back to the weak, dependent female at the end of
the play
Contrast between Mitch and Stanley-Mitch asks permission while
Stanley asserts his physical dominance without asking
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