Scene Two

Scene Two This scene is important as in this scene the groundwork is laid for the conflicts which follow: In this scene Stanley’s antagonism towards Blanche will grow - Blanche is the protagonist (main character), while Stanley is the antagonist (in conflict with the main character) Stanley’s jealousy and suspicion Blanche’s ignorance of the effect her behaviour has on people Both the motive and means for Blanche’s destruction are now becoming clear as Williams prepares the ground for the inevitable calamity

Characterisation - Blanche

Characterisation: Blanche The audience’s compassion for Blanche increases as Williams reveals just how destitute she is by showing that all her belongings in the world amount to a trunk full of cheap dresses, fake furs and costume jewellery Blanche takes the first of many baths in this scene. She says that steaming hot baths are necessary to calm her nerves. Yet, Blanche’s constant need to wash her body symbolises her need for emotional, spiritual and mental cleansing. On one level this habit is extremely irritating to the other inhabitants of the apartment and will significantly increase the tension. On another level, her bathing foreshadows the eventual revelation of her sordid past. She desires to rid herself of her social blemishes and start over again after leaving Laurel

Characterisation: Blanche The second part of the scene begins with Blanche making an appearance in her red bath robe – symbolic of the ‘scarlet woman’ she occasionally wishes to be seen as, a role that contrasts sharply with her ladylike manners and affectations. Her flirting manner arouses Stanley’s suspicions as he senses that her provocative behaviour is more fitting for a prostitute than a schoolteacher, saying “If I didn’t know that you were my wife’s sister I’d get ideas about you!” This part of the scene highlights the beginning of the sexual conflict between Blanche and Stanley – Blanche flirts with him, but he sees her as manipulative (“If I didn’t know that you was my wife’s sister then I’d get ideas about you!” “Such as what?” “Don’t play so dumb. You know what!”) However, as the play progresses it becomes clear that Blanche is ultimately uncomfortable with sexual promiscuity, even her own – she longs for companionship instead.

Characterisation - Stanley

Characterisation: Stanley In this scene Stanley’s antagonism to Blanche grows as do his suspicions about her Stanley’s hostility is rooted in his sharp awareness of the class differences between himself and Blanche (and by implication Stella) and his instinctive reaction is to pull her down to his level

Characterisation: Stanley This class antagonism is intensified by Stanley’s suspicions that Blanche has cheated both he and Stella He is unaware that Blanche’s costume jewellery is fake and his resentment grows when Stella mocks him

Characterisation: Stanley Stanley’s repeated references to the ‘Napoleonic Code’ show that he is ignorant of legal technicalities because Belle Reve being in Mississippi would not fall under New Orleans jurisdiction However, these repeated references highlight the fact that his conflict with Blanche is also a gender showdown. Stanley feels that as a man whatever Stella has belongs to him. He also hates Blanche as a woman and as a person with a far more prestigious family name. He therefore suspects that her business dealings have been dishonest

Symbolism/Imagery Blanche posturing in her red robe is symbolic of the scarlet woman of the Bible (Revelation 17) Blanche’s reference to “The blind are leading the blind” is symbolic of Matthew 15:14 which reads “And if the blind shall lead the blind, both shall fall into a ditch” - the implication here is of impending disaster Blanche’s constant bathing – an obsessive habit, suggesting the need for purification from guilt over the death of her husband and her sexual misdeeds

Task Discuss and take notes on how the conflict between Blanche and Stanley is alluded to in scenes 1 and 2. Homework Write THREE paragraphs on how conflict is explored in these scenes of the play – no intro/conclusion necessary.