Overview

Cards (95)

  • Who wrote the play "A Streetcar Named Desire"?
    Tennessee Williams
  • When was "A Streetcar Named Desire" first performed?
    1947
  • What is the primary setting of the play?
    Post-war American South
  • What are the main characters in the play?
    Two sisters: Blanche and Stella
  • How do the sisters' paths differ?
    Blanche clings to her upbringing, Stella adapts
  • What does the play explore through the sisters' encounter?
    Changing time in American society
  • What themes are explored in the play?
    Gender, sexuality, desire, illusion, delusion
  • How does the play begin?
    With Blanche's arrival in New Orleans
  • What does Blanche critique upon arriving at Stella's home?
    Their upbringing and Stella's lifestyle
  • What does Blanche reveal about Belle Reve?
    She has lost their old home
  • What does Blanche's discomfort signify?
    Her distress and connection to the past
  • Why did Blanche take a break from teaching?
    Due to her nerves
  • How is Stanley's character established?
    Through his blunt, confrontational nature
  • What does Stanley force Blanche to confront?
    Memories of her dead husband
  • Who does Blanche meet during Stanley's poker night?
    Mitch
  • What does Blanche see in Mitch?
    Kindness and sensitivity
  • How does Stanley's drunken rage affect Blanche?
    It results in her feeling shaken
  • What does Stella do after Stanley's outburst?
    She forgives him
  • What does the tension between Blanche and Stanley represent?
    Opposing binary ideals
  • What does Stanley accuse Blanche of?
    Having a suspicious past
  • What does Blanche reveal to Stella about Mitch?
    She needs him
  • What does Blanche share about her past with Mitch?
    Her husband shot himself
  • What does Stanley discover about Blanche on her birthday?
    Her past in Laurel
  • What does Stanley accuse Blanche of regarding her lifestyle?
    Sexual promiscuity
  • What does Stanley try to force Blanche to do?
    Leave New Orleans
  • What happens when Stella goes into labor?
    Stanley drives her to the hospital
  • How does Mitch confront Blanche?
    About her past
  • What does Blanche try to explain to Mitch?
    Her pursuit of intimacy after her husband's death
  • How does Mitch react to Blanche's past?
    He accuses her of lying
  • What does Blanche scream to get Mitch to leave?
    "Fire"
  • How does Blanche feel when Stanley confronts her?
    Frightened and uncomfortable
  • What happens during Stanley's confrontation with Blanche?
    He rapes her
  • How does the play end for Blanche?
    She is taken to a mental institution
  • What does Stella refuse to believe?
    That Stanley raped Blanche
  • How does Blanche react to being taken away?
    She is frightened and confused
  • What does Blanche expect when being taken away?
    To be taken by an old boyfriend
  • How does Stella feel after Blanche is taken away?
    She cries
  • Who is Blanche Dubois?
    Stella's older sister
  • What characterizes Blanche's personality?
    Clinging to the past and living in fantasy
  • How is Blanche visually associated?
    With traditional femininity and delicacy