Scene 7
Quotation Analysis
By this point in the play, Blanches bathing has become a
significant motif throughout the play.
It may be seen to be a result of her luxurious upbringing in
‘soaking in a hot tub’ (pg. 69) the South that she is used to frequent bathing.
However, it can be seen as cathartic cleansing Blanche
constantly performs to maintain her facade and cleans
herself from her haunting past.
Stanley’s uses of colloquial language is a stark contrast to
the long lyrical speech Blanche has just given in Scene 6.
This may contextually relate to Stanley’s working class
status contrasting with Blanches upperclass chivalrous
‘dope’
class.
However, in this scene, it may relate to Stanley’s
naturalistic and realistic views contrasting with Blanches
lyrical, expressionistic qualities.
‘[Blanche is singing..which is used Use of ‘contrapuntally’ creates an aural juxtaposition
contrapuntally with Stanley’s speech’]’ (pg. between the different moods of characters, creating a
70) discordant atmosphere in the differentiating actions.
Blanche is in a joyous and carefree mood due to her
anticipation about Mitch’s arrival which contrasting with
Stanley’s blunt tones.
‘[singing blithely]’ However, she may be anxious she states that bathing his
her ‘hydrotherapy’ in Scene 8. She must be successful in
this as she says that she is ‘ cool and rested’ with a ‘brand
new outlook on life.’
Metaphor for Blanche’s facade. The moon is also symbolic
of romance representing her illusionary imagination
(especially concerning the Young Man in Scene 5)
‘paper moon'
however the moon also has connotations of lunacy, linking
to Blanches mental instability. The use of the word ‘paper’
also implies a fragility to her facade.
Expresses her wish to have Mitch’s trust and the
exclamative emphasises this. This line becomes a
repeated motif in the scene. Although this further
‘If you believed in me!’
emphasises Blanche’s desires for a trusting relationship,
this then becomes more ironic as Stanley reveals his
discoveries and the truth about Blanches situation.
Stella challenges Stanley’s masculinity in line with her old
‘If I were a man and this creature had dared
southern values, implying that Stanley should defend
to invent such things in my presence’ (pg. 71)
Blanche’s honour in a gallant fashion.
Blanche’s lyrics foreshadow the loss of Mitch’s love later in
without your love’
the following scene.
Stanley portrays Blanche to have a delusional character
stating that she was already mentally unstable before she
’downright loco- nuts’ came to New Orleans. However, a reader may argue that
her mental instability has been aided and built on by
Stanley.
Quotation Analysis
By this point in the play, Blanches bathing has become a
significant motif throughout the play.
It may be seen to be a result of her luxurious upbringing in
‘soaking in a hot tub’ (pg. 69) the South that she is used to frequent bathing.
However, it can be seen as cathartic cleansing Blanche
constantly performs to maintain her facade and cleans
herself from her haunting past.
Stanley’s uses of colloquial language is a stark contrast to
the long lyrical speech Blanche has just given in Scene 6.
This may contextually relate to Stanley’s working class
status contrasting with Blanches upperclass chivalrous
‘dope’
class.
However, in this scene, it may relate to Stanley’s
naturalistic and realistic views contrasting with Blanches
lyrical, expressionistic qualities.
‘[Blanche is singing..which is used Use of ‘contrapuntally’ creates an aural juxtaposition
contrapuntally with Stanley’s speech’]’ (pg. between the different moods of characters, creating a
70) discordant atmosphere in the differentiating actions.
Blanche is in a joyous and carefree mood due to her
anticipation about Mitch’s arrival which contrasting with
Stanley’s blunt tones.
‘[singing blithely]’ However, she may be anxious she states that bathing his
her ‘hydrotherapy’ in Scene 8. She must be successful in
this as she says that she is ‘ cool and rested’ with a ‘brand
new outlook on life.’
Metaphor for Blanche’s facade. The moon is also symbolic
of romance representing her illusionary imagination
(especially concerning the Young Man in Scene 5)
‘paper moon'
however the moon also has connotations of lunacy, linking
to Blanches mental instability. The use of the word ‘paper’
also implies a fragility to her facade.
Expresses her wish to have Mitch’s trust and the
exclamative emphasises this. This line becomes a
repeated motif in the scene. Although this further
‘If you believed in me!’
emphasises Blanche’s desires for a trusting relationship,
this then becomes more ironic as Stanley reveals his
discoveries and the truth about Blanches situation.
Stella challenges Stanley’s masculinity in line with her old
‘If I were a man and this creature had dared
southern values, implying that Stanley should defend
to invent such things in my presence’ (pg. 71)
Blanche’s honour in a gallant fashion.
Blanche’s lyrics foreshadow the loss of Mitch’s love later in
without your love’
the following scene.
Stanley portrays Blanche to have a delusional character
stating that she was already mentally unstable before she
’downright loco- nuts’ came to New Orleans. However, a reader may argue that
her mental instability has been aided and built on by
Stanley.
