1. Scene 7

2. Summary

3. Williams’ strategy is to implicate the audience in ‘violent processes of historiography – the process of constructing a narrative of the characters’ pasts’.
(Anca Vlasopolos, 1986.)
Dramatic Structure
Historiography - the process of constructing a narrative of the characters’ pasts
We have begun to construct a version of Blanche’s past but is it the same as Stanley’s? What is the dramatic effect of this?

4. ‘The full dramatic impact of the scene relies not on the details of Blanche’s past but on her ignorance of what is happening outside the bathroom.’
(Hana Sambrook, 2015)
Dramatic Structure
Contrapuntal – an accompaniment but in a different, contrasting mood.
The metaphor of Blanche’s bathing juxtaposes Stanley’s revelations about her past.
[Blanche is singing in the bathroom a saccharine popular ballad which is used contrapuntally with Stanley's speech.]

5. ‘Boy, oh boy, I’d like to have been in that office when Dame Blanche was called on the carpet!’
‘What – contemptible – lies!’
[Stanley comes up and takes her by the shoulders rather gently. She gently withdraws from him.]
Key Quotations
‘Her future is mapped out for her.’
[Blanche emerges with a gay peal of laughter but as Stanley crosses past her, a frightened look appears in her face, almost a look of panic.]