STREETCAR Act one- Scenes 1&2

Why does Stella ask Stan to be nice and understanding to Blanche?

Stella knows that Blanche will agitate Stan; she does not want problems between them.

How is Blanches drinking problem introduced?

When she is first left alone in Stella´s apartment, she pours herself some whiskey; when Stella returns, she denies drinking before, and suggests her and Stella drink.

As the play begins, how is Stanley´s primitive nature revealed?

He tosses the meat when he enters. He has no manners; he addresses Stella as ¨the little woman¨

How does Stan react to news of losing Belle Reve?

He wants to see papers. He thinks that Blanche is a phony and she sold Belle Reve to buy things for herself. He thinks she swindled Stella because she does not show deed of sale.

What do men agree to do the next day?

Play poker at Mitchs house.

Significance of Tamale vendor

RED HOT references sexual and dramatic tension

What mood do the opening stage direction and setting description create? What effect is created with the music of the ¨blue piano¨?

Setting/ stage direction create Serene mood. Blue piano expresses spirit of New Orleans

What is Blanches reaction to Stella's home? How does she react when Eunice tries to help her?

She doesn´t approve of Stella´s living conditions (too small/ messy) She asks Eunice to leave her alone.

What dramatic function to Steve and Eunice serve?

Comic Relief Releve dramatic tension

What reason does Blanche give for being in New Orleans

She claims to have been given leave of absence from school in May.

How do Blanche and Stan feel about eachother?

Blanche thinks Stan is primitive and not good enough for Stella; she tries to win him over by flirting but it does not work. Stan thinks Blanche is a phony.

Why does Blanche ask Stella to turn off overhead light?

Light makes her look old; shows wrinkles, etc.

Why does Stella take Blanche out during poker? How does Stan react?

Stella does not think Blanche can handle poker and Stans friends. Stan wants his dinner.

What does Blanche learn about Stanley before meeting him?

1. He is Polish 2. Stella says he is ¨different species¨ compared to men at Belle Reve. 3. Master Sargent in Engineer Corps

What is known about Blanche before she speaks?

1. she does not match setting; she is out of place 2. Dressed in white gloves and pearls; elegant. 3. Five years older than Blanche.

What does Blanche say about truth and illusion?

A womans charm is 50% illusion. She tells the truth when its important.

What happend to Belle Reve?

Blache lost it because death/ medical expenses. AND men took loans against the plantation to finance sexual affairs.

Describe Symbolism of Blanches Bath.

Blanche wants to wash away impurities and sins

How is Stella described in the stage directions? How does she contrast eith Stanley, aside from being female?

Calm and gentle. Stella has different upbringing than Stan.

How does Stan react to Stella telling him to wait outside? Why?

He is angry; he does not want a woman telling him what to do.