A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE Scene Seven Scene Seven

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE Scene Seven

Scene Seven ■ This short scene is full of dramatic contrasts as the cheerful mood of Blanche singing in the bath and Stella arranging the birthday table is shattered when a triumphant Stanley comes in with his details about Blanche’s past

Dramatic Impact ■ The dramatic impact of this scene is emphasised by Stanley’s shocking account of Blanche’s behaviour which is contrasted with her sentimental song from the bathroom ■ Yet, the full dramatic impact of the scene relies not on the details of her past, but on her ignorance of what is happening outside the bathroom. This increases the dramatic tension – will she overhear? ■ Also emphasises the sympathy we have for Blanche, unaware as she is

Dramatic Impact ■ Contrapuntally – meaning as an accompaniment, but in a different, contrasting mood. ■ Illustrated here by the use of two speakers, one commenting on the other, usually in derogatory terms

Symbolism ■ Blanche’s endless baths symbolise her need to constantly wash away her sins ■ Her singing of “Paper Moon” – “ it wouldn’t be make-believe if you believed in me” – symbolises that Blanche’s hopes of a future with Mitch rest in him believing her act ■ This is now unlikely to happen as Stanley has told him about her past, a particularly cruel act from him in his desperation to defeat her