Scene Analysis

• What is the setting of the play described in the opening scene?

  Elysian Fields, New Orleans
• How does Williams describe the context of New Orleans?

  As a place of transience and progression
• What balance does Williams strike in his description of the scene?

  Between the grotesque and the lyrical
• What musical motif recurs throughout the play?

  The "blue piano"
• What does the "blue piano" symbolize in the play?

  The spirit of the area
• Who are the first characters introduced in the scene?

  Stanley and Mitch
• How are Stanley and Mitch visually coded in the scene?

  As laid back, working class men
• What does Stanley's red stained package symbolize?

  Primalism and animalism
• How is Stella described in relation to her background?

  As having a different background from Stanley
• What theme is introduced through Stanley's actions with the package?

  The theme of social class
• How does Blanche enter the scene?

  Carrying a valise in confusion
• What does Eunice's mention of "the Mexicans" imply?

  Her comfort with racial diversity
• What does the reference to Belle Reve signify?

  Old Southern money built on slavery
• How does Blanche react to the apartment?

  She feels visually uncomfortable
• What does Blanche do when she spots the whiskey?

  She takes a shot
• What dramatic irony is present in Blanche's statement about looking for liquor?

  She already knows where it is
• What does Blanche's first lie about drinking reveal?

  Her shame about her mental distress
• How does Blanche's upbringing affect her behavior?

  It ingrains strict ideas of femininity
• What does Blanche criticize about Stella's living conditions?

  She expresses shock and worry
• How does Stella react to Blanche's criticism?

  She feels slightly offended
• What does Blanche blame for leaving her school?

  Her 'nerves'
• What key information about Stanley is revealed in the sisters' discussion?

  He is an immigrant
• How does Blanche's reaction to Stanley affect the audience's perception?

  It reinforces their incompatible ideologies
• What role does Stella play between Blanche and Stanley?

  She acts as a mediator
• What does Blanche accuse Stella of regarding Belle Reve?

  Of abandoning it
• How does the music from the blue piano change during the scene?

  It grows louder, indicating tension
• What emotional response does Blanche's speech about her family elicit from Stella?

  It brings Stella to tears
• What happens when Stella goes to wash her face?

  The men come jeering down the street
• What traumatic memory does Blanche recall during her conversation with Stanley?

  The death of her husband
• What does the polka music signify at the end of the scene?

  Blanche's traumatic flashbacks
• What does Blanche's journey on the streetcar symbolize?

  Her journey through life
• What does the reference to Cemeteries in Blanche's quote imply?

  Her experiences with loss
• How does Eunice's comment about the plantation relate to Blanche's family?

  It links their wealth to slavery
• What does Blanche express about Stella's decision to live in New Orleans?

  Inability to understand it
• What does Blanche's accusation about Belle Reve reveal about her character?

  Her desperation to cling to the past
• How does the blue piano music function in the play?

  It expresses emotional tension
• What does Blanche's red robe symbolize?

  Her sexuality
• How does Stanley perceive Blanche's flirtation?

  As a trick to deceive him
• What does Blanche's avoidance of direct questions indicate?

  Her desire to maintain mystery
• What does Blanche claim about her love letters?

  They are from the same boy