Homework

Q: Why does Blanche replace the bottle and the glass after having a drink?

A: Williams attempts to demonstrate to his audience that Blanche has had a terrible past.After her loosing her family's fortune and estate,we find out that she has also lost her young husband.At first instance , this is the first time we come across the obsession that Blanche has towards her drink.The stage direction indicates that she 'washes out the tumbler at the sink',and the dynamic verb'wash' could suggest Blanche 's desire to come to New Orleans to make a fresh start and forget about her past.The more explicit explanation could simply be that Blanche is not aware of what to expect in this new environment which she is incongruous to.She hasn't seen Stella in a long period of time , and hasn't told her about the loss of 'Belle Reve'.Furthermore, she is also not aware of what Stella's husband reaction will be.Consequently she wants to come across as a respectful and dignified woman.

Q:Pick out the pet names which Blanche has for Stella and explain why Blanche uses them'

A:Throughout the first dialogue between Blanche and Stella shortly after seeing each other , Blanche interacts with Stella by using numerous pet names including :precious lambs , Stella for star, honey, blessed baby.Williams tries to illustrate the sister love that Blanche and Stella have but also to indicate the audience that 'family love never dies'.As mentioned earlier , Blanche had a dreadful past, and therefore she requires affection as any human being would need.

Q:What evidence is there that Blanche is concerned about her looks?

A:During the conversation with Stella ,Blanche is the dominant speaker , and she is involved in the topic shifts.She brings the subject of appearance into the conversation when she says'I never had your beautiful self-control.'At first instance it seems that Blanche praises her sister's looks but then she tells her that she 'hasn't put an ounce since the summer she left Belle Reve'.Blanche then subsequently asks Stella her opinion on her figure.Blanche then that she is vain about her looks even though she is slipping which indicate that is really worried about how she looks like at all time.

What does this tells you about her character?

Blanche's attitude towards her appearance illustrate one side of her personality which could be the fact that she is vain and that she is aware that she is good looking.Moreover, as audience members we can also conclude that she is self centered but also attention seeking.Vanity is not a good trait to have, and therefore we can make numerous assumptions on her character.