A Streetcar Named Desire Scenes 7-11

Why does Blanche try to phone Mitch? (8)

It is Blanche's birthday and Mitch didn't show up so she is looking for an explanation.

Describe Mitch's condition and Blanche's reaction. (9)

Mitch pushes past Blanche, he is buzzed, unshaven, and in his work clothes. Blanche scoffs at his appearance but is forgiving.

Why do Mitch destroy the paper lantern? How is this action symbolic? (9)

Mitch rips down the lamp because he hasn't seen Blanche in clear light. The light brings out the truth from people. It is revealing.

How does Mitch seem to feel about Blanche at this point? Explain. (11)

Mitch tries to avoid Blanche.

What upsets Mitch the most about Blanche? How did he verify the truth about her history? (9)

Mitch was most upset about being lied to. Mitch went to the supply man himself to find out the truth.

Why is Blanche's comparison of herself to a "tarantula" ironic? (9)

Nothing is nice about a tarantula which is ironic because she tries to maintain this "pure" persona.

When does scene 10 begin? What is Blanche's condition? What is Stanley's condition? (10)

Set shortly after Mitch's argument. Both Stanley and Blanche are drunk.

What does Blanche say about realism and magic? (9)

She says she wants magic over realism and tries to give that to people.

How does Blanche try to deceive Mitch about the liquor? Why doesn't this work? (9)

She scurries around looking for the liquor and claims that it does not belong to Stanley but Mitch was told by Stanley she was "lapping it up all summer".

What does Shep Huntleigh represent to Blanche? (11)

Shep represents Blanche's mental instability.

How does Stanley destroy Blanche's plans for her future? What are Stanley's plans for Blanche? (7)

Stanley buys Blanche a one-way ticket to Laurel. Stanley tells her that her future is mapped for her.

Explain how tension is created with the appearance of Stanley? (10)

Stanley comes home slamming the door holding a bottle in his hand.

What is Stanley's explanation for his actions towards Blanche? (8)

Stanley finds out about Blanche's past.

How is Stanley's tearing the paper lantern from the bulb significant? (11)

Stanley has the hotter temper, this also represents how Stanley has overcome Blanche.

The scene opens to another poker night. How has Stanley's luck changed since the first poker night? How is this game symbolic? (11)

Stanley is winning everything and talking about how lucky he is. It is symbolic because his luck is good after Blanche's life was ruined.

What news does Stanley reveal about Blanche? How does Stella react to this news? (7)

Stanley reveals she was fired because of her involvement with a 17 year old boy. Stella is in shock and doesn't want to believe him.

What is Stanley's birthday present for Blanche, and why is it a cruel gift? How does Blanche respond? (8)

Stanley's gift to Blanche is the one-way ticket to Laurel. This is cruel because Blanche doesn't want to go back and she needs help.

What does Stella say that angers Stanley? What is Stanley's reaction? Why? (8)

Stella calls him a pig and tells him to wash up and clear the table. Stanley gets angry by the way she talks and "clears" the table by throwing the dishes.

What is ironic about Blanche's statement that she cannot forgive Mitch? How does Stanley further humiliate Blanche? (10)

The irony in Blanche's statement about deliberate cruelty is that she can't forgive Mitch for it even though she's been telling him lies about herself so he would want her.

How are life and death juxtaposed at the end of this scene? (8)

The relationship between Stella and Stanley is dying, but their baby is still growing.

When and how does scene 9 begin? (9)

The scene is set in the evening while Blanche is drinking to the polka song her husband died to.

What is the irony of the song Blanche sings in the bathtub? (7)

"It wouldn't be make believe if you believed in me" everything Blanche is, is fake.

Describe the situation at the beginning of the scene. (8)

Blanche and Stella both treat Stanley as if he's some sort of animal because he comes from lower class.

The doorbell rings. Blanche discovers it is Mitch. What does she do before she answers the door? (9)

Blanche hides the alcohol and makes herself look nicer.

How has Blanche fallen victim to her own illusions? (10)

Blanche is starting to believe her lies and illusions are becoming reality and are true.

What lies does Blanche tell about Mitch? Why? (10)

Blanche lies that Mitch came back with roses and was apologetic. She wanted to prove to Stanley Mitch loved her for who she is.

Cite evidence that Blanche seems to be obsessed with purity. (11)

Blanche mentions the bells are the only clean thing, her outfit represents purity, the grapes are dirty.

What is Blanche's condition and how is Stella dealing with it? (11)

Blanche only wants to have alcohol, not drink or eat anything. Stella doesn't know how to deal with her.

What is the significance of Blanche's final line? (11)

Blanche's line is ironic because she is very dependent on other people but the kindness of strangers has not been valid.

How has Stella deluded herself? What is Eunice's advice to Stella? (11)

Eunice says to not believe Blanche's story about the rape.

What is the purpose of the playing of the polka tune, the "Varsouviana"? (9)

Every time Blanche feels some sort of guilt the music plays because she feels guilty for her husband's death.

Why does Stanley get out his silk pajamas? (10)

He says he wears them for special occasions and he is having a baby.