analysis

• Blanche's sense of value and worth is derived from her 'southern belle roots'- Antebellum South stock character in deep souths socioeconomic upper class
• her formal register with Mitch 'unhand me sir', use of french 'voulez vous couchez avec moi ce soir' 'please don't get up I'm only passing through' exemplifies her desire to return to Old South formalities: irony that men don't respect her at all.
• She exploits her power rooted in upper class priveledge by emasculating Stanley, she degrades him 'Polack' 'Ape-like' 'animal habits' 'sub-human' In a society that values hegemonic masculinity this cataylses her metaphorical death
• She wishes to express her sexuality freely 'people don't see you- men don't- don't even admit your existence unless they're making love to you' Blanche believes a womans worth is contigent on her sexuality. PARADOXICAL because of the double standard a womans sexual licentiousness would make her morally bankrupt so their existence is only acknowledged by being sexually attractive yet sexual avalibility brings a loss of respect
• Scene with 'young young young young man'- 'It would be nice to keep you' possessive verb keep suggests a power dynamic regarding age this transends the gender power dynamic bringing control to Blanche.
• 'I am not crazy! I've never been crazy!' - Blanche denies her mental instability despite evidence suggesting otherwise. This could be interpreted as a sign of her fragile state of mind or her attempt to maintain control over her own narrative. It also highlights the societal stigma surrounding mental illness during this time period