A Streetcar Named Desire

Why does Blanche replace the bottle and wash the glass after having a drink?

Blanche seems to replace the bottle and wash the glass after having a drink to wash away her sins and to wash away her worries and fears. Also she replaces the bottle because she wishes she could replace her life and start again. Put it back in its place.

Pick out the pet names which Blanche has for Stella and explain why Blanche uses them?

Blanche uses nicknames for Stella such as: Stella for star, oh my baby, Precious lamb, honey,

Baby, these all suggest that Blanche is the older sister; also that she really loves Stella as she uses all these lovely nicknames for her. This could suggest Stella is a much loved child and that their relationship is very close as sisters. Blanche also mentions that her dad died; maybe this could mean that Blanche could have acted as a mother/father figure for Stella. However it could also mean that Blanche wants something from Stella her turning up mysteriously, sucking up to her could have a motive behind.

What evidence is there that Blanche is concerned about her looks? What does this tell you about her character?

Blanche keeps mentioning that she doesn’t look nice to Stella, she says that she looks dirty, needs to powder herself. She also keeps complimenting Stella, possible wanting her to compliment her back. The reason for this could be that she is insecure or that she is jealous of her sister Stella. She also loves clothes, she has many and they are all of good quality meaning that she cares about her appearance and the quality of her appearance.

What is Blanche’s attitude towards the place where Stella lives?

She doesn’t like it; she looks her nose down on it.  She is shocked to see that it only has 2 rooms.

This could suggest that she and Stella before were of very high class and that they were not used to living in these conditions, so now when Blanches sees the home that Stella lives in she is shocked.

Writing Task

Stella: Blanche what did I tell you about drinking that whiskey you know its Stans.

Blanche: Oh Honey really? Honestly you think I would drink this whiskey. It’s the cheapest whiskey around, only the lower class drink this. Honestly my taste buds would refuse to drink this thing. I was just checking out your cabinets Sweety. AHHH! Ok you got me. Well it was meant to be a surprise, I was going to dish up a scrumptious dinner for the 3 of us. After all this grub you must be craving my Cottage pie honey aren’t you? See how much I know you, how much I understand, How much I love you? Now where is that cheese?