1. A Streetcar named Desire by Tennessee Williams
Kelso High School
A Streetcar named Desire
by Tennessee Williams

2. Scene Five A threatening undertone runs throughout this scene
The scene opens with a violent row between Eunice and Steve, which is then followed by a hostile interchange between Stanley and Blanche
It is evident that Stanley has information about Blanche’s past and that this frightens her

3. Characterisation : Blanche
Blanche’s description of her efforts to attract and hold men, dressing in the soft colours of butterfly wings, recall her first moth-like appearance in Elysian Fields. This reminds the audience of her fragility and vulnerability
She is fearful of losing her beauty. She is aware that she is growing older, but does not want men to see this

4. Characterisation : Blanche
Why does Blanche cry over the stain on the white shirt?
Does it remind her of her husband’s death?

5. Characterisation : Blanche
The episode with the young man is important in that it is used to convey the contradictions within Blanche’s character:-
She is desperate to marry Mitch, yet she is ready to risk her future to flirt with a paper boy
Is this part of her urge to self-destruct?
Is it more simple? Does that she know that she cannot marry Mitch as she is incapable of settling down permanently with one man? Will the metaphorical flutter but not settle down?
It shows how hypocritical she is. She condemns Stanley and Stella’s sexual relationship, but she is prepared to engage in a inappropriate sexual encounter with a young boy. Her behaviour with the young boy makes Stanley and Stella’s relationship appear almost normal

6. Characterisation: Blanche
This episode is important as it is now clear that there is absolutely no possibility of a happy ending for Blanche. The question is now how and when the final blow will fall