Blanche’s Diary:

I have finally met a man who I was able to share my most painful secrets with; I finally spoke about the love of my life: Allan and the way he was taken from me. Mitch is able to accept me for who I am, neither for my looks nor my body. Back in hotel Flamingo I was someone who was living through the desire to be wanted, to be loved again like the way I was with Allan…I didn’t find what I was looking for. Instead I became someone dirty, filthy, someone who is repulsive to look at, the lights are too bright.  Mitch, oh Mitch.  I feel safe in his arms. He is someone who can protect me, I need that. Although I must admit I feel no deep feelings of passion with him I’ve realised that I have a connection with Mitch which I may not share with any other man. He is thoughtful, caring and strong. There is no real love but what I need now is comfort- God has given me this chance.  

                I don’t know what is wrong with me, I think I want to be with Mitch but when he tries to get closer to me, I pull away. The last time I was intimate with someone was during my time at hotel Flamingo. The memories of that place are frightening. I don’t want to go back there. I don’t want to be that person again. I don’t need to go there to be loved; I have Mitch now to be that person. Love? No, I certainly know what love is, that feeling of living in the moment, for that one person who you belong to entirely- that was Allan. Mitch has a different feeling; he is more of a protector than a real lover. I can’t deny that his physicality is attractive but that is all. He isn’t the intelligent type, I feel like we sometime misunderstand each other. I never had that problem with Allan, he had a way with words. He was able to put me under a spell with the poems he wrote me. If I got a love letter from Mitch what would it be like? Tenderness and caring, yes certainly. But words that will make my heart race, I doubt it. So what does this mean? I don’t believe that I’m using Mitch. I just feel so lonely and scared that opening myself up to him might not be a good idea. But I can’t stay here forever, Stella has chosen Stanley over me, my own sister has betrayed me. I guess you lose all rationality when you’re in love; I use to know that feeling. Mitch is the only person I can really hold onto, someone who will look after me. Although our evening wasn’t the most eventful, at least I wasn’t alone. If that streetcar named Desire is still grinding along the tracks than there is still hope. Hope that I will feel desire once again.

Scene Six- Blanche and Mitch

The way in which Blanche and Mitch interact with each other gives an indication of how their evening had taken place. The conversation begins with Blanche saying “well”, this response could have a number of different interpretations. Blanche may have said this because she feels that there is nothing really to discuss which may suggest that their night out wasn’t very interesting. This is also hinted by Mitch saying: “I’m afraid you haven’t gotten much fun out of this evening, Blanche”. It is clear that there was a mutual feeling that their date didn’t go that well.  Instead of being truthful about their feelings about their evening both of them blame themselves for the lack of entertainment. This may suggest that their relationship hasn’t developed enough for them to be able to be entirely truthful with each other.

 The lack of having nothing to talk about may be interpreted as them not having anything to talk about which may be inferred as them not having a lot in common. This is pointed out when Blanche says “I’m looking for the Pleiades, the Seven Sisters, but these girls are not out tonight” this highlights Blanches educational background and also presents the lack of education that Mitch has. His response to Blanche is “Can I-uh – kiss you- goodnight?” He obviously doesn’t have a clue of what Blanche is talking about so instead changes the subject. Instead, Mitch tries to impress Blanche by showing off his physique, which does manage to impress Blanche but he clearly isn’t the same person that Allan was. Allan would write poetry for Blanche which Blanch mentions in Scene 2 to Stanley “poems a dead boy wrote”. Allan used words to make Blanche fall for her; in comparison Mitch uses his appearances to win Blanche over. Another example of miss communication is through Blanche’s metaphor “Is that streetcar named Desire still grinding along the tracks at this hour”. This is Blanche’s way of showing Mitch to show interest in her which Mitch doesn’t figure out.

The use of nouns, verbs and Euphemisms allows the reader to understand more about Blanche. When Blanche explains why she had rejected Mitch’s advances she uses the noun “familiarity”, the audience knows that she is referring to her time spent in Hotel Flamingo. Mitch reminded her of her time spent their which suggests that he got to comfortable with her for her liking. Blanche also refers to herself as a “single girl”; she wants to be conveyed as someone who is young, innocent and pure. She also refers to herself as having “Old-fashioned ideals” this is a euphemism for not having sex before marriage. This is also a way of Williams to use dramatic irony as the audience knows that she has spent her time being a prostitute.  Blanche says these things because she wants to come across as someone who is respectable. The way that she once was when she lived at Belle Reve, however once Blanche lost Belle Reve and also Allan she lost the type of person she use to be. Blanche uses the word “lost” as not having a grip on her emotions.

Scene Four

Why is Stella “thrilled” by Stanley’s violence?

Stella is “thrilled” by Stanley’s violence as it is something that reminds her of what things use to be like when they were first married. “He smashed all the lights bulbs with the heel of my slipper”. This sort of behaviour reminds her of the passion that they use to share. The thrill she gets from him shows the desire that she has for him. The reason she got on the “Streetcar named Desire” was because of her desire to be with Stanley. In addition, Stella lacks self esteem whereas Stanley is the alpha male which allows Stella feels safer and more confident. She mentions earlier in the play that out of all of Stanley’s friends, Stanley will be the most successful. She believes strongly in Stanley’s capability and may feel that this is partly due to his ability to be a leader. The use of violence and aggression is Stanley’s way of being in control.  

Desire:

The use of the word Streetcar is used as a metaphor for desire. Stella knows that her love for Stanley is based on desire but she doesn’t care. In comparison, the same Streetcar that brought Blanche to New Orleans doesn’t hold anything of the sort. She feels like she isn’t wanted. The desire that brought Blanche to New Orleans was to get away from her past at the hotel Flamingo. She wanted to go back to the happiest time in her life: when she was young and in love. Although Allan is now dead the only connection she has left to him is Stella. Blanche believes that being close to Stella will keep her safe. Williams turns the word desire into a proper noun emphasising its importance in life. This sort of “Desire” is capable of making people act in irrational ways. In Stella’s case her desire to be with Stanley even though he is physically abusive to her.    

Stanley and Stella’s Relationship:

“He gave me ten dollars to smooth things over”

This statement which occurs on scene four is said by Stella the day after Stanley attacked her. This quote suggests that Stella’s feelings towards Stanley are so strong that she is able to easily forgive him for his wrong doings. She is able to look over the mistake he did because the love that she has for him so strong. At the same time Stanley clearly loves Stella as ten dollars was a large sum of money at that time. It also emphasises the fact that Stanley is not the romantic type. It is mentioned earlier that Stanley is not romantic. In scene two when Blanche asks Stanley for a compliment his response is “I don’t go in for that stuff”. After treating Stella so badly his apology comes in the form of money, this adds to the fact that he doesn’t really believe in romance. In addition to be unromantic the reason he gave her money may be because he knows that Stella will forgive him and the money is a small gesture to show his remorse. Throughout the play Stanley is abusive to Stella but she still chooses him over her sister. At the end of scene four, Stella runs into Stanley’s embrace, leaving Blanche. This symbolises that she has chosen Stanley over her sister. Stanley knows that Stella’s love for him is stronger than anything else and therefore can treat her badly knowing full well that Stella can’t live without him.

Stella and Stanley at breakfast:

[Stanley is sitting at the table eating toast while reading the newspaper. Stella is bust preparing coffee for Stanley]

Stanley: I found the radio outside; it didn’t hit the pavement so only one tube is smashed. I’ll take it to get fixed after I’ve eaten.  

Stella: Oh well that’s a relief honey.

[Stella hands Stanley a cup of coffee, Stanley drinks it while staring lovingly at Stella]

Stanley: Thanks baby. Look at the time, I should get changed.

[Stanley walks towards the bedroom while undressing he leaves his pyjamas on the bedroom floor.]

Stanley: Where did Blanche go last night?

Stella: I guess she didn’t want to disturb us, I think she stayed with Eunice. She’ll be fine I think Mitch was looking out for her.

Stanley: Mitch? Why would that fool do that?!

Stella: Well, err he was just being nice I guess. I think a guy like Mitch might be good for Blanche. She’s had such a tough time by herself; Mitch would be the perfect guy to look out for her.

Stanley: Well it doesn’t matter either way she’s leaving soon, right?

Stella: I’m not too sure honey.

[From inside the bedroom out of Stella view he looks up at the ceiling and sighs]

Stanley: Once the baby comes there won’t be a lot of space for her as well as the baby. I could buy her a ticket if she can’t afford one.

Stella: Don’t be so mean Stanley, she’ll be leaving when she feels it’s time.

Stanley: Well it best be soon.

[He walks out of the bedroom and kisses Stella]

Stella: I love you honey.

[Stanley hands Stella a ten dollar bill]

Stella: What’s this for?

Stanley: I’m sorry about yesterday, things just got out of hand we were drinking and I just kashed out. You know that you’re my entire world right?

Stella: I know. And you’re mine.

[Stanley takes the radio and walks out the door]

Stanley: I’ll see you later baby.

Analysis of Scene Three- The Poker Night:

There are many hidden messages that can be distinguished through the actions of individuals in this scene. Symbolism is also a reoccurring theme which helps understand more about the characters pasts. This scene is a real turning point in Stanley and Blanche’s relationship. Although a real conversation doesn’t take place between the two of them, the presence of the radio is used to distinguish who is in control.     

Tennessee Williams has titled this scene as the “Poker night”; the meaning behind his choice may differ. The obvious connotation is that poker is a game of bluffing which correlates directly with Blanche’s behaviour. She has a hidden past which she is trying to forget, however Stanley is determined to discover the truth. The idea of playing poker maybe perceived in that it is a game between Stanley and Blanche and the secrets that are kept. The change in the person who is on control of the situation helps establish who is winning their “game”.  A device that is used to help make this clear is the use of the radio. Blanche puts the radio on which annoys Stanley who demands she switches it off. Blanche continues to play the music even when Stanley has switched it off helps the reader as well as Stanley to understand more about her character. She is clearly someone who is stronger than she is perceived and will stand up for herself when she needs to. She has learnt to keep her expressions cool in front of Stanley for example when Stanley comes in to switch off the radio and he is staring at her she returns his look without flinching. She is able to hide any fear showing that she is capable of bluffing. Her continuing to play the radio suggests that she is willing to play this game with Stanley and she is not intimidated by him.

Stanley is use to being in control with both his wife and his friends. This is seen through his interactions with his friends during their game of poker: “deal” and “shut up” are only a few of the imperatives used by Stanley. He is someone who likes to be in control and therefore is taken aback by Blanche’s response to him. He retaliates in the only way he knows he has the upper hand in: his strength. Stanley ends up throwing the radio out of the window and lashes out on Stella. By throwing the radio out of the window is the only way Stanley feels that he is able to beat Blanche in this game. However, when Stanley attacks Stella Blanche steps up and protects her sister from Stanley. She is clearly someone who is very courageous and is willing to stand up to Stanley.

Another interpretation of why a game of poker is being played is that poker is a game about money and greed. This sort of behaviour is comparable to the type of person Stanley is. In scene two Stanley has discovered that Belle Reve has been lost and wants to get to the bottom of what Blanche is hiding. He is so desperate to find out the truth that during scene two he goes through her suitcase to find any information that he can find. The idea of bluffing occurs in this scene when Stanley tells Blanche “I have a lawyer acquaintance who will study these out”. Once again he wants to feel in control of the situation. The poker night helps to solidify what type of character he is. Stanley is someone who is greedy for money and control, so desperate that he is capable of lying in order to get what he wants.    

The scene also has many repercussions in the relationships between different characters. Stanley’s behaviour towards Stella presents just how madly in love they are with each other. Even though Stanley was violent towards Stella, she is able to forgive him because she is so deeply in love with him. This scene also mirrors that of scene one where Stanley throws a bag of meat at Stella. In scene one, Stanley is showing is assertiveness but in the case of scene three he is begging for forgiveness. This may be a representation of their relationship; a give and take relationship in which they both are able to accept each other because of their deep affections for one another. Although, Blanche is Stella’s sister her response to Stanley suggests that in any situation she is going to take Stanley’s side. This is an indication of what is to happen later on in the play when Stella’s relationship between both Stanley and Blanche is tested.

Scene three also presents the relationship between Blanche and Mitch. There is mutual attraction between both of them and it would seem from the audience’s point of view that someone like Mitch would be very compatible with Blanche who is so broken and needs someone like Mitch who will treat her properly. They both share similar pasts as they have both lost loves ones in the past “the girl’s dead now” which is another indication that they are well matched. However, the use of words used by Williams suggests that this relationship is not destined to be, the scene ends with Blanche saying: “I need kindness now”. These words are used at the end of the play when Blanche is sent away with a doctor. Blanche using these words with Mitch shows that their relationship is one that will not have a happy ending.

stella's diary entry after having her baby

Dear Diary,

I can't believe that I've had a beautiful baby boy. My Stanley is going to be so happy. Having this baby will only bring us closer together, I just know it will! I can't describe the amount of love that I have for him. I've never loved someone so much in my entire life. My heart is all jittery just thinking about him. Oh my I can't believe that I'm crying, how very silly of me.
Blanche! My beautiful sister is going to be so happy for me. After looking at my precious baby he has her eyes, yes he does! Oh my that will make Blanche so happy. But... what if she isn't happy? What if this baby will make her resent me even more for leaving Belle Reve and starting a new life without her. What if she thinks that this baby is the thing that will make me lose ties with Belle Reve? I've had a baby and I'm married whereas Blanche, my poor baby is still broken hearted about that boy. What if she starts to hate me? No... I can't think like that, she's my sister and she loves me and I love her so dearly, of course she won't react like that. How could i think that. My Blanche is an Aunt now, there's no way she won't be happy for me.
I can't wait to see them both, I feel so claustrophobic begin stuck in this tiny little room. It's awful! I know I shouldn't but I can't help but think that they might of had a fight while I was gone. It's silly of me but I know that Stanley gets angry easily and when he's angry nobody can control him but me, he's got an awful temper. What if Blanche lashes out on him. She doesn't understand how much I love him. She thinks that he's "controlling me". What if she finally calls him out on it? I know that she's just trying to protect me, of course, she's my big sister! But she just doesn't understand that I can't live without him. He's my everything, my whole entire world. I hope that nothing bad has happened. After the whole issue with the papers they both seem to have settled their differences. I just have to have faith that they both behave themselves. I've only been gone a little while I'm sure everything is just fine...

Scene between 2 and 3:

Mitch: [Nervously] So how long is erm Stella’s sister staying for?

Stanley: What’s it to you? The sooner the better!

Mitch: I was just curious, she sure is pretty, is she seeing anyone?

Stanley: She does spend hours in the bathroom dolling herself up. You stay away from her Mitch, there’s something off about her and I’m going to find out.  

Mitch: My mum wants me to meet someone nice and introduce her to her before you know... it’s too late.

Steve: What do you mean there’s something off? She and Stella seem to get along okay, she must be alright.

Stanley: Don’t compare my Stella to that woman! That woman comes into my house and wonders around the place like she’s staying at a hotel. She lost Belle Reve so now she thinks she can live off her sister. NO! I aint having it.

[Stanley throws his fist onto the table and then drinks a glass of whiskey in one shot]

That perfume that’s stinking up this room isn’t one that belongs to pretty lady but to someone who is hiding something.

[Steve and Mitch look at each other nervously]

Mitch: okay, so let’s play some poker! [Looks around smiling]

Stanley: What do you think we’re doing Mitch!? Shut up and deal the cards.   

Stanley and Blanche- Change in control

Stanley and Blanche both handle situation in different ways; Stanley takes a more physical approach whereas Blanche uses words to convey her feelings and to control the situation. This can be established through the end of Scene 2. Stanley is the dominant speaker at the first when he opens up Blanche’s trunk to look for papers; he uses his strength to get what he wants. Unlike Blanche who is well educated, Stanley has to resort to using his strength in order for him to feel like he is controlling the conversation. However, it could be argued that his way of taking control of the situation could be due to him feeling vulnerable and not being able to get what he wants.

On the other hand, Blanche takes a different approach to the situation. By the end of the scene it seems as though Blanche has the upper hand. When she looks through the papers she does it in a calm manner, slowly reading of names “Ambler & Ambler, Crabtree”. By doing this she is in control as she knows what the names mean, she has had to deal with the solicitors and therefore is more comfortable with the situation. Whereas, Stanley is at lost and needs to ask questions in order to feel aware of the situation. He is constantly mentioning the fact that he is knows many different people so when Blanche tells him to “present them” to his lawyer acquaintance his response is sheepish because he finally has to show some action to all the talk that he does; he is out of his depth.

Topic shift also helps present a clearer understanding of who is control of the scene. When Stanley asks about papers the first thought that comes into Blanche’s head is “first anniversary gift” representing the type of person she is. She is someone who believes in love and romance. Whereas, Stanley’s first thought of papers is “legal papers”, showing that he is someone who is more head strong and aware of money. However, this doesn’t mean he is educated in this area. He repeatedly mentions the fact that he is well acquainted with many different people; this helps him feel more in control. He wants to come across as someone who shouldn’t be taken lightly but also knows his stuff. Blanche is vulnerable when the conversation of her first love comes to discussion. “Everyone has something he won’t let others touch because of their- intimate nature...” When she talks about her first love she loses control of the situation as the topic is hard for her to talk about and she is constantly trying to put on a brave face and feel like she is stronger than she really is.

The topic shift and the manner of which both characters respond to the situation illustrates who is in control of the situation.