1. A Streetcar named Desire
Scene 3
Ian Yule

2. Characterisation
In the poker scene the conflict between the masculine and feminine characters becomes clearer
The “Van Gogh” billiards painting “Night Café” with its harsh colours emphasises the harsh masculinity of the men
Yellow linoleum on the kitchen table
Vivid slices of watermelon
men at the peak of their physical manhood
The separation between men and women is summed up in Mitch’s line after Stanley’s drunken outburst
“Poker should not be played in a house with women”

4. Additional colour details
The yellow linoleum of the kitchen table and the vivid slices of watermelon on it

5. Purpose of “The Poker Night” scene
To illustrate Stanley’s dominance
He takes all the decisions about the game
“Nobody’s going to get up”
“Well you can hear me and I said to hush up! (to Stella)
Stanley is jealous of Mitch’s interest in Blanche, he orders him back to the game
“(bellowing) Mitch!”

6. Stella’s passion for Stanley
Stanley is in a drunken rage and tosses their radio out of the window, they argue and back off the stage
There is the sound of a blow
There he throws back his head like a baying hound and bellows his wife’s name: “Stella! Stella, sweetheart! Stella!”
(with heaven-splitting violence) STELL-LAHHHHH!”
Then they come together with low animal moans

7. Blanche’s character
“I bought this adorable little coloured paper lantern at a Chinese shop on Bourbon. Put it over the lightbulb! Will you, please.”

8. Blanche’s character
The lantern is a symbol of Blanche’s refusal to face up to the ugly realities of her life
It is also a device to be used later in Scene 9 when Mitch will become disillusioned with her

9. Blanche’s character
(To Mitch) “Thank you for being so kind! I need kindness now”
The line is devised to create sympathy and pity for Blanche at this point in the play
It foreshadows a further reference to kindness at the end of the play