Summary
Summary 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams - Scene by Scene Analysis
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A scene-by-scene summary and analysis of 'A Streetcar Named Desire' including context points and key quotes.
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A Streetcar Named Desire1. Blanche arrives in Elysian Fields where there is an undercurrent of tension in the meeting between her
and Stella, after admitting the loss of Belle Reve. Not only does Blanche conflict with her sister, there is
also an uneasy meeting between her and Stanley.
CONTEXT: Elysian Fields are the equivalent of paradise in classical mythology. There is irony in the
choice of name for a rundown street.
QUOTES: ‘This section is poor but unlike corresponding sections in other American cities, it has a raffish
charm’ ‘Faded white…almost turquoise’ ‘Gracefully attenuates the atmosphere of decay’ ‘A cosmopolitan
city where there is a relatively warm and easy intermingling of races in the old part of town’ ‘Liquor goes
fast in hot weather’ ‘Gaudy seed-bearer’
ANALYSIS: New Orleans is set up as an exciting, yet run-down, place. Blanche arrives and her drinking
does not go unnoticed by her Stella or Stanley. Blanche is aware of their class difference and social
distinctions, only accepting the neighbour’s acts of kindness as these are services naturally expected of
her social inferior. Stanley also makes an impact as Williams stresses his sexual magnetism. The blue
piano and polka are heard now, as introduced as a motif.
2. The sisters prepare for an evening out, whilst Stanley is furious at the loss of Belle Reve. Blanche flirts
with Stanley and learns Stella is pregnant. The groundwork is laid for the conflicts to follow: Stanley’s
jealousy and suspicion, Blanche’s ignorance.
CONTEXT: Blanche is dressed in a red robe, reminiscent of the scarlet woman of the Bible, who with the
devil will ‘give their power and authority to the beast’. Blanche also refers to the Gospels ‘The blind…
leading the blind’ which connotes to Matthew 15:14 implying disaster. Stanley refers to the Napoleonic
code which ‘protected many of the gains of the French Revolution by ensuring equality of all male citizens
before the law, universal male suffrage, property rights, and religious liberty’.
QUOTES: ‘If I didn’t know that you was my wife’s sister I’d get ideas about you!’ ‘Admire her dress and
tell her she’s looking wonderful. That’s important with Blanche’ ‘What is this sister of yours’ ‘You’re
simple… a little bit on the primitive side’ ‘I like an artist who paints in strong, bold colours, primary colours’
‘without Belle Reve to protect us’
ANALYSIS: Stanley’s antagonism and suspicions about Blanche grow, his hostility is rotted in class
difference and he wants to be a ‘social leveller’ as he feels the need to pull her down to his level.
Blanche’s passion for taking long baths is introduced as a new motif which increases tension and irritates
the others. The motif is repetitive and intrusive.
3. The sisters return, and the poker game is still on, meanwhile, Stanley is drunk and resentful of Mitch’s
interest in Blanche. A violent row erupts and Stanley hits Stella, who is taken to Eunice’s apartment by
the hysterical Blanche, but returns back to Stanley at his beck and call. Blanche is shocked, Mitch
comforts her.
CONTEXT: Stella swift change in heart reflects the patriarchal attitudes at the time, when men fully
controlled women, and women were expected to obey. Attitudes towards class are reiterated here too,
Blanche’s conversation with Mitch emphasises the class difference between them and draws our
attention to the fact he is trying to overcome them.
QUOTES: ‘I thought he had a sort of sensitive look’ ‘I can’t stand a naked light-bulb, any more than I can
a rude remark or a vulgar action’ ‘Drunk – drunk – animal thing, you!’ ‘There’s nothing to be scared of.
They’re crazy about each other’ ‘I need kindness now’
ANALYSIS: The relations between the characters is clarified here, particularly the normalness of abusive
behaviour between Stella and Stanley. The dramatic purpose of the poker party is to establish Stanley’s
domination over her friends, how he makes all the decisions about the game, and how they handle him
when drunk. The animosity between Blanche and Stanley is clear, with sexual undertones and flirtatious
behaviour, which foreshadows the shocking climax. The lantern over the light bulb represents Blanche’s
ability to put up a façade and plays a part in Mitch’s disillusionment with her. It is also a symbol of
Blanche’s refusal to face the ugly reality of her life, and instead dress it up – ‘I tell what ought to be the
truth’
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