Scene 7 analysis.

William tells us through his stage direction that Blanche singing is used'contrapuntally' with Stanley's speech.This dramatic device allows us this juxtaposition of sounds and mood between Stanley's revelations to Stella,and Blanche's voice singing 'It's only a paper moon',a famous hit from Nat King Cole a famous jazz artist of the 50's.
The singing first counterpoint Stanley's speech when he says'This supply stops at a hotel called the flamingo.'Blanche 's singing almost makes Stanley's allegations true as the lyrics could portray Stella's dilemma in whether to believe Stanley or Blanche.'But it wouldn't make believe if you believed in me.'There is a sense dramatic irony as Williams portrays Blanche singing 'blithely'.This adverb almost suggests her lack of concern,however the audience is aware of Stanley's accusations being an important facet of Blanche's character never seen before in the play.Nevertheless,it is important to state that Williams may have selected the song,to create an enjoyable but also ironic atmospheric mood in the auditorium.This mirrors Stanley and Blanche's numerous tense conflicts such as Scene 2 where Stanley wants to find out about Belle Reve,however this time Williams wanted to make the audience feel almost part of the actions taking place on stage.The lyrics of the song could implicitly refer to Williams's intentions to involve his audience to take part in the decision whether to believe Blanche or Stanley.

From the beginning of the play,we get hints that Stanley and Blanche 's relationship is edgy.At first instance,an explicit reason would be her interference in Stanley's sexual life which seems very important to him.He states himself in Scene 8'it's gonna be sweet when we can make noise in the night the way that we used to and get the coloured lights going with nobody'sister behind the curtains to hear us!'Stanley's use of exclamation indicate his desire to get things like before.It also shows how he feels about his sex life;really passionate.


Writing Task:

A while later that evening,the faded white stairs of the Hubbels are shiny.Stella appears with tears in her eyes and knocks at the door.The sound made by Stella is reverberating making her shiver.The blue piano can be heard outside expressing Stella's anxiety.

Stella:Eunice?
There is a silence.Stella stops for a second and looks down from the balcony to see if there is anyone.She sees no one,breaths rapidly and knocks again.


Stella:(nostalgically)Hey Eunice.
Eunice opens the door,glances at Stella.
Eunice:(inviting her inside)Oh!What happened Stella? Don't tell me that whelp of a Polack raised his hand on you again.
Stella:No no Eunice,it's just Stanley told me..
Eunice:(wiping Stella's tears with her sleeve)What did that stinker tell you!Tell me!
Stella:(nervously)Stanley told me about Blanche being at the Flamingo hotel and having an affair with...
Eunice:(anxiously)Who?
Stella:A seven-seventeen years old boy...
Eunice(bursting into laughter)Oh! Come on Stell, you know that polack is a stinker!You know Blanche more than anyone else and you know she wouldn't do that.
Stella:(making an effort to smile)Well,Blanche always been flighty but she would never do such a thing.
Eunice:Yeah fo'sure,don't you worry.You can stay with me and Steve for a bit If you want.
Stella:Thanks Eunice,now the problem is Mitch is - done with her.
Eunice:Did that polack tell him?
Stella:Yes..Stanley did.
Eunice:I always believed that we need to git th'law on that Polack so they turn the fire hose on him.
Stella:(walking to the window)Mitch and Blanche both need someone.Mitch has his mother to look after.And Blanche was with a degenerate.Blanche adored him.
Eunice:Mitch is a big boy.He doesn't need that stinker to make his own decisions.His mother ain't got long.She wanna see him settled,so Mitch won't listen to Stanley.
Stella:I hope so Eunice.How's you and Steve?
Eunice:We're alright.He's at the four deuces.