Scene 5

• "I was never hard or self sufficient enough. When people are soft--soft people have got to shimmer and glow--[...] and put a paper lantern over the light... It isn't enough to be soft. You've got to be soft and attractive." - Blanche


  Abstract poetic speech - 'hardness' and 'softness' allude thematically to how Williams portrays gender and sensitivity. Accuses herself of being to soft, has to put on an illusion to get help from others - lack of self sufficiency. Feels men won't help you unless they can sexualise you - needs to "glow". Motif of light and lanterns - "glow" Blanche desires.
• "And I--I'm fading now! I don't know how much longer I can turn the trick." - Blanche


  Worries she is 'fading' due to her gradual ageing, suggesting she can't rely on this help from men anymore. Speech shows a surprising amount of clarity and openness from Blanche.
• "I want to kiss you - just once - softly and sweetly - on your mouth [without waiting for him to accept she crosses quickly to him and presses her lips to his] Run along now! It would be nice to keep you, but I've got to be good and keep my hands off children! Adios!" - Blanche


  Cannot seem to convalesce from the obsession of desire - rejects the brutal physicality of her sister's relationship but aches from loneliness and guilt that manifests inappropriately. First time we see Blanche's past come to life - obsession for young men becomes a visual stimulus for the audience.