light

• Chinese paper lantern hides the naked light bulb, dimming the light. This symbolises the facade she puts on to prevent people seeing her true self - her age and her fading beauty. "Paper" indicates the fragility of her facade.
• "the searchlight which had been turned on the world was turned off again and never for one moment since has there been any light stronger than this kitchen candle" - due to the darkness in her life, she sought solitude in alcohol and men
• "wind blows [candles] out and after that happens, electric light-bulbs go on and you see too plainly" - Blanche does not like being faced with reality. The contrast between candles and electric light bulbs portrays Blanche's conflict between the old and the new.
• "[He tears the paper lantern off the light bulb. She utters a frightened gasp.]" - Blanche is genuinely terrified of her true self being revealed.
• "[...seizes the paper lantern, tearing it off the light bulb and extending it towards her. She cries out as if the lantern was herself.]" - This is reminiscent of the rape, and Stanley taking back his power over women and his home, refusing to let Blanche have any influence in the apartment.