FLASHCARD DECK — IDENTITY (MALFI + STREETCAR)

What is Position 1 for identity?

Both plays reveal how patriarchal authority shapes and destroys female identity, though the forms of suppression differ across their societies.

What is Position 2 for identity?

Both plays suggest that male identity is unstable and easily corrupted as characters attempt to reinvent themselves under societal pressure.

What is the key comparative idea for Paragraph 1?

Patriarchal control shapes and destroys female identity, driving heroines toward tragic downfall.

How does the Duchess attempt to construct her identity?

By asserting autonomy as a wife and mother, defying her brothers’ control.

What quote shows the brothers’ corrupted identity?

“Rich and overladen with fruit, but none but crows, pies and caterpillars feed on them.”

Parasitic imagery shows moral corruption.

What quote shows the Duchess’s virtuous identity?

“Her days are practised in such noble virtue.”

What quote shows her illuminating identity?

“She stains the time past, lights the time to come.”

Light imagery = moral clarity.

What early comparison links Duchess to Blanche?

• Duchess identity is one of defiance to the world around her

• Perhaps reminding us of how Blanche is ‘incongourous to the setting’

Jackie Moore’s view of the Duchess?

“Humble and holy, she is the antidote to her brothers’ evil.”

What threat does Ferdinand use to control her identity?

Your darkest actions, nay, your privatest thoughts, will come to light.”

Superlatives + surveillance = patriarchal control.

What quote shows the Duchess asserting identity?

“I winked and chose a husband.”

Why were widows feared in Renaissance society?

They had greater freedoms, causing male anxiety.

What stage direction shows Ferdinand’s violent patriarchal identity?

“Enters with a poniard.”

Phallic symbol = corrupted masculinity.

What quote shows the Duchess’s final assertion of identity?

“I am Duchess of Malfi still.”

What critic says her identity endures?

“The radiant spirit of the Duchess cannot be destroyed.”

What moment shows Blanche’s identity collapse?

“The matron catches hold of Blanche’s arm and prevents her flight.”

What is the key comparison between Duchess and Blanche?

Duchess preserves identity; Blanche’s identity collapses.

What is the key comparative idea for Paragraph 2?

Stella and Blanche’s identities are more persistently damaged by men around them. C1

How is Stella’s identity shaped?

It becomes psychologically dependent on Stanley; constructed around his authority.

What quote shows Stanley diminishing Stella?

“The little woman.” A: Diminutive → possession.

What quote shows Stanley’s physical dominance?

“Gives a loud whack of his hand on her thigh.” A: Ownership, not affection.

What stage direction shows Stella’s dependence?

“Narcotised tranquillity.” A: Stanley = addictive force.

How does Stella’s dependence damage female solidarity?

She rejects Blanche’s truth, calling her “morbid.”

How is Blanche like Cassandra?

She speaks truth but is ignored; patriarchy silences female identity.

What costume shows Blanche’s initial identity?

“A white suit with a fluffy bodice.”

What costume shows her destroyed identity?

“Soiled and crumpled white satin evening gown.” A: Visual metaphor for corrupted identity.

What does Jesmin say about Blanche?

“Blanche’s make‑believe world falls away.”

What is the key contrast between Blanche and the Duchess?

Blanche’s identity collapses; Duchess remains stoic.

What is the comparative idea for Position 2?

Bosola = moral flux; Mitch = collapse under masculine pressure.

What quote shows Bosola’s servitude?

“I am your creature.”

What quote shows his moral corruption?

“Whose throat must I cut?”

What structural feature shows his surveillance role?

French scenes → constant spying.

What disguises does Bosola adopt?

Old man → tomb‑maker → bellman → Bosola.

What psychoanalytic reading explains this?

Disguises reflect shame and fractured identity.

What quote shows his moral awakening?

“I served your tyranny… I sought to appear a true servant rather than an honest man.”

How does Renaissance class structure shape Bosola’s identity?

Low‑born men depended on patronage; identity shaped by corrupt court.

What is Mitch’s identity arc?

Reverse of Bosola: starts gentle → collapses into corruption.

What quote shows Blanche’s early view of Mitch?

“Superior to the others.”

What quote shows Mitch’s acceptance?

“I like you exactly the way you are.”

What is McDonough’s full AO5 on Mitch?

In Mitch resides the only possibility in the play for a masculinity that does not fall into the stereotypes of either weak homosexuality (Allan) or brutal heterosexuality (Stanley). Yet Mitch cannot break through the sexual code upheld and policed by Stanley.”

What stage direction shows Mitch destroying Blanche’s identity?

“Tears the paper lantern off the light bulb.”

What quote shows Mitch’s moral judgement?

“You’re not clean enough to bring in the house with my mother.” A: “Clean” reduces identity to sexual purity.

What context shapes Mitch’s collapse?

Post‑war American masculinity demanded strength, dominance, emotional restraint.