1. Why does Blanche avoid strong light? 2. How are specific physical symbols used to characterize the essential nature of Stanley Kowalski? 3. How is it possible that two such opposite people as Blanche and Stanley could possibly meet? 4. Why does Blanche so openly flirt with Stanley in the […]
Read more Study Help Essay QuestionsTennessee Williams Biography
The following abbreviated biography of Tennessee Williams is provided so that you might become more familiar with his life and the historical times that possibly influenced his writing. Read this Life and Background of the Playwright section and recall it when reading Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, thinking of […]
Read more Tennessee Williams BiographyCharacter Analysis Harold Mitchell (Mitch)
Harold Mitchell is first seen as one of the four poker players in the third scene. The players speak coarsely, enjoying primitive, direct humor, mixing it with the cards, chips, and whiskey — that is, all except Mitch. He seems to be somewhat different. He is first distinguished from the […]
Read more Character Analysis Harold Mitchell (Mitch)Character Analysis Stella Kowalski
The glaring contrast and fierce struggle between the two worlds of Stanley Kowalski and Blanche DuBois are the main themes of Williams’ play. These two worlds are so diametrically opposed that they can never meet. Thus, in order to bring these two together — to have these two encounter each […]
Read more Character Analysis Stella KowalskiCharacter Analysis Stanley Kowalski
We cannot deny the fact that Stanley Kowalski is a fascinating character. The usual reaction is to see him as a brute because of the way that he treats the delicate Blanche. Some will even go so far as to dislike this man intensely. But this dislike would stem from […]
Read more Character Analysis Stanley KowalskiCharacter Analysis Blanche DuBois
Blanche DuBois appears in the first scene dressed in white, the symbol of purity and innocence. She is seen as a moth-like creature. She is delicate, refined, and sensitive. She is cultured and intelligent. She can’t stand a vulgar remark or a vulgar action. She would never willingly hurt someone. […]
Read more Character Analysis Blanche DuBoisSummary and Analysis Scene 11
Summary Several weeks later, Stella is seen packing some of Blanche’s things. There is another poker party going on. This time, Stanley is winning. Eunice comes in to help with the packing. Stella wonders if she is doing the right thing by sending Blanche to the state institution. Stella tells […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Scene 11Summary and Analysis Scene 10
Summary Later that evening, Blanche is dressed in an old, faded gown and has a rhinestone tiara on her head. She has been drinking heavily. She is talking to herself when Stanley enters. He tells her that the baby won’t come before morning, and the doctors sent him home. He […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Scene 10Summary and Analysis Scene 9
Summary Later that evening, Blanche is alone in the apartment. The doorbell startles her. It is Mitch, who is still dressed in his working clothes and who is unshaven. Blanche pretends surprise but says she is glad to see him because he has stopped the polka music that was spinning […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Scene 9Summary and Analysis Scene 8
Summary A short time later that evening, Blanche, Stella, and Stanley are finishing with Blanche’s birthday party. She cannot understand why Mitch has not shown up. She tries to tell a joke, but no one laughs. Stella says that Stanley is “too busy making a pig of himself” and tells […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Scene 8