AS ENGLISH LITERATURE - BLANCHE KEYQUOTES (STREETCAR)

‘Blanche is bathing’

• Blanche’s repeated bathing is an extended metaphor

• Representative of her need and DESIRE to cleanse herself of her trauma and secrets

• Bathroom becomes a ‘sanctuary’ for Blanche, escape from Stanley

‘I cant stand a naked bulb’

• Blanche says to Mitch

• A continuation of the light motif

• Symbolises the light exposing Blanche’s truths metaphorically or literally e.g. lying about her age

• Scene 3

‘Virgo is the virgin’

• Blanche explaining star signs

• Ironic - blanche tries to represent herself as innocent and pure but she is neither and not a virgin

‘I want to kiss you’

• blanche kisses the young boy

• represents her undeniable need to self destruct

• repeating her past and relive her lost youth. This moment highlights her vulnerability and longing for connection

• Goes for younger men in order to live in delusion about her age

‘I dont want realism’

I want magic and illusion. This reflects Blanche's desire to escape harsh truths and live in a world of fantasy.

‘I have always depended on the kindness of strangers’

• A statement reflecting Blanche's reliance on others for support and validation, highlighting her vulnerability and tragic dependence on the goodwill of those around her. This line underscores her fragility and the precariousness of her existence.