Streetcar - Family quotations

‘It looks to me like you’ve been swindled, baby, and when you’re swindled under the Napoleonic code I’m swindled too. And I don’t like to be swindled.’

• patronising address terms reinforcing his authority and control

• repetition - connotes criminality towards Blanche, emphasising his growing hatred of Blanche and our pity and fear for her as well as a childish tone in Stanley

• prosodic features - emphatic, angry tone of voice, determination to take revenge

• the loss of Belle Reve is the main trigger for Stanley’s antagonism towards Blanche

• There are clear differences between Stella and Stanley’s backgrounds - fuelling Stanley’s determination to defeat Blanche

‘Where is my little sister? Stella? Stella?’ - Blanche checking on Stela after the attack, but Stella has gone back into the apartment with Stanley

• possessive determiner - protective towards Stella which reinforces Stella’s position between these two forces, reminds Stella of their relationship as sisters

• the repeated interrogatives create a weak and uncertain tone of voice, increases pity and fear for Blanche as she tries to stand up for her sister - her attempt is futile as she can protect neither Stella or herself from Stanley’s violence

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