A Streetcar Named Desire Scene Summaries

Blanche arrives in the rough neighbourhood of Elysian Fields where her sister Stella lives with her brutish husband, Stanley.

Scene 1

Stanley confronts Blanche about her past and her newly discovered lost wealth, causing tension between the two.

Scene 2

The men play poker whilst the women go out, leading to a confrontation between Stanley and Stella ending in violence.

Scene 3

The morning after poker night Blanche expresses her concern about Stella’s marriage and her fears of Stanley.

Scene 4

Blanche meets a young man from the newspaper, she kisses him and admits she has a constant need for admiration.

Scene 5

Blanche goes on a date with Mitch where she opens up about her past and her need to be protected.

Scene 6

On Blanche’s birthday, Stanley reveals to Stella and Mitch the damaging elements of Blanche’s past, upsetting Stella and leading to Mitch not showing up.

Scene 7

Stanley breaks Blanche’s illusions of grandeur during her birthday dinner.

Scene 8

Mitch confronts Blanche about her past, confronting her by tearing her paper lantern of and then attempts to rape her.

Scene 9

Stanley returns from the hospital where Stella is in labour, he asserts him dominance over Blanche and rapes her.

Scene 10

Blanche is driven to madness by Stanley raping her and is taken to a mental institution due to the stress and trauma caused by living with him.

Scene 11