Scene 10

• [Blanche has decked herself out in a somewhat soiled and crumpled white satin evening gown and a pair of scuffed silver slippers with brilliants set in their heels. Now she is placing the rhinestone tiara on her head before the mirror of the dressing-table and murmuring excitedly as if to a group of spectral admirers] - Blanche


  Blanche is seeking comfort from her harsh reality in fantasy and alcohol.
• "I've been onto you from the start! Not once did you pull any wool over this boy's eyes! You come in here and sprinkle the place with powder and spray perfume and cover the light bulb with a paper lantern, and lo and behold the place has turned into Egypt and you are the Queen of the Nile! Sitting on your throne and swilling down my liquor!"


  The mental destruction of Blanche begins with this verbal assault which foreshadows the physical one.
• [He grins at her as he knots the tasseled sash about his waist.. he stares at her again, his mouth slowly curving into a grin, as he weaves between Blanche and the outer door... The blue piano goes softly. She turns confusedly and makes a faint gesture. The inhuman jungle voices rise up. He takes a step toward her, biting his tongue which protrudes between his lips.]

  Williams uses the stage directions to make it very clear that Stanley is meant to be menacing and predator like, before he yells "Tiger! Tiger!" raping Blanche