Learning Goals To explore how Williams develops key themes and characters in Scene 3 To analyse how Williams creates conflict in Scene 3 To evaluate the dramatic presentation of Blanche

How well do you know Scene 2? What news does Stella want to keep away from Blanche and why? Why is Stella planning on taking Blanche out that evening? Why does Stella want Stanley to complement Blanche on her appearance? What is the Napoleonic code? What favour does Blanche ask of Stanley? “Let’s cut the rebop” Who says this to who and why? Who are the letters in the truck from? What does Stanley reveal at the end of the scene?

Conflict Conflict is at the heart of all drama Where have you seen conflict in the play so far and why? Give at least 3 examples with quotations

How does William’s introduce Stanley? How would a 1950s American audience respond to him? How do a modern day audience respond to him?

AGREE OR DISAGREE?

Agree or Disagree?

Scene 3: Poker Night What do you associate with poker? Williams considered calling an earlier version of the play, ‘The Poker Party’. From what you know of the play so far, why might this be a fitting title?

THE POKER NIGHT. There is a picture of Van Gogh's of a billiard-parlor at night. The kitchen now suggests that sort of lurid nocturnal brilliance, the raw colors of childhood's spectrum. Over the yellow linoleum of the kitchen table hangs an electric bulb with a vivid green glass shade. The poker players--Stanley, Steve, Mitch and Pablo--wear colored shirts, solid blues, a purple, a red-and-white check, a light green, and they are men at the peak of their physical manhood, as coarse and direct and powerful as the primary colors. There are vivid slices of watermelon on the table, whiskey bottles and glasses. The bedroom is relatively dim with only the light that spills between the portieres and through the wide window on the street. For a moment, there is absorbed silence as a hand is dealt.

Discuss How do you feel about Stanley’s behaviour in this scene? How does Williams present the character of Mitch in this scene? What do we learn about the relationship between Stanley and Stella in this scene? Who do you have the most sympathy for in this scene and why?

Home Learning Focus on Scenes 1-3 only “In many ways Blanche can be seen as a victim” In the light of this comment, explore Williams’ dramatic presentation of Blanche. In Your answer you must consider relevant contextual factors. Complete a plan for this question Include your ‘thesis’-a summary of your response to the question 4 key points that you would make Quotations to back them up