1. Scenes VII-IX
To explore how Williams conveys the inevitability of Blanche’s tragic end through:
the use of dramatic contrast
understanding the characters’ motivation

2. Stanisvlaski’s method
It’s very easy to over-simplify the method of Konstantin Stanislavski, one of the greatest and most influential of modern theatre practitioners. The main thing to remember is that he takes the approach that the actors should really inhabit the role that they are playing. So the actor shouldn’t only know what lines he needs to say and the motivation for those lines, but also every detail of that character’s life offstage as well as onstage. In this way we can establish Stanislavski as a director and practitioner whose productions arenaturalistic.
The "Magic If": A simple way of beginning the Stanislavsky Method is to ask yourself "What would I do if I was in this situation." This is a good way to consider natural reactions to the events in the story. However, Stanislavsky also realized that these types of "what if" questions do not always lead to the best characterization. "What would I do?" might be a very different question than "What would Hamlet do?" Still, it's a good place to begin.

3. Remind yourselves of the “musical technique” Williams used to create a sense of an impending crisis and heightened emotion in Scene VII

4. Scene VIII What happens in this scene?
What do we learn about Stanley’s motives for wanting to destroy Blanche?
What happens at the end of the scene? What does this mean for Stanley?
What is different about the way the Varsouviana polka is used at the end of the scene? What is the reason/effect?

5. Communication accommodation theory
Look closely at the dialogue and interaction between Stanley and Stella in this scene. Apply the above to their exchange and consider the effect. What does this dialogue show about their relationship at this moment?

6. Scene IX
What is different about the way the Varsouviana polka is used throughout this scene? What is the reason/effect?
How does Blanche justify to Mitch her actions in Laurel?
What does he try to do to Blanche?
How does she escape?
What key symbol is used in this scene?
What is the significance of the Mexican flower seller?
Underline any examples of the juxtaposition of black comedy with lyrical tragedy (p87/8)
What is the effect?

7. Rape as a weapon of war
As recounted by the women in Istanbul, Isis has used rape to exert control and spread terror through communities. It has imposed draconian limits on women’s freedoms to work, speak or be seen in public, policing these controls through violence. Isis has abducted women and girls, sometimes by the busload, and sold them into sexual slavery.
Ordeals like Noor’s are neither random nor rare. Rape is useful for Isis: it traumatises individuals and undermines their sense of autonomy, control and safety. It triggers mass displacement when word reaches people.
But the most destructive power of rape as a weapon of war lies in the deep-rooted stigma attached to it. Survivors are ostracised, even blamed for the attacks. Families fear being tarnished by the stigma and banish wives, mothers and daughters. In the worst cases, people adhere to distorted notions of “honour” and kill rape survivors. In short, rape tears at the fabric that binds families and communities.
What will it take to stop Isis using rape as a weapon of war? by Yifat Susskind in The Guardian

8. Scene X
How is Blanche dressed at the beginning of this scene? What is the effect?
What does she tell Stanley she has just done?
What does Stanley put on? What is the significance of this?
What does he mean by: “We’ve had this date from the beginning”?
Stanley rapes Blanche both physically and emotionally. Can you find examples?
What contextual theme may this scene be a metaphor for?

9. The audience is happy and relieved when Stanley finally ‘puts Blanche in her place’
The rape scene is foreshadowed right from the beginning of the play
It is wrong to include such sexual violence in a play
The rape scene serves no important dramatic function
Williams could have achieved the same dramatic purpose without the rape scene
Stella is right to stick with Stanley at the end of the play

10. The myth and the reality . . .
Gone with the wind
Amistad
The myth and the reality . . .

11. Scene XI
Which character do you have the most sympathy for in this scene and why?
What reasons does Stella give for her decision?
Do you agree with her decision?
What does Blanche say as she leaves with the doctor and why is this significant?
Why do you think Williams decided to end the play this way?
“She sobs with inhuman abandon”...how do you feel about Stanley’s response to Stella at this point?
What is the significance of the last line?
How does the ending of the play differ to the film? Why do you think this is?