desire/sexuality

Quote #1:
“… but contains a folding bed to be used by Blanche. The room beyond is a bedroom.” (1.40)

Blanche’s bedroom is right next to Stanley and Stella’s bed.
Symbolizes Blanche’s intrusion into their intimate life and foreshadows sexual tensions.

Quote #2:
“Animal joy in his being... pleasure with women... power and pride of a richly feathered male bird among hens...” (1.205)

Stanley is portrayed as primal and sexual.
His view of women is instinctual and objectifying, setting expectations for his interactions with Blanche.

Quote #3:
STANLEY: “My clothes are stickin’ to me. Do you mind if I make myself comfortable?” ... “Be comfortable is my motto.” (1.219-21)

Stanley is physically at ease and uninhibited, contrasting Blanche’s strict sexual propriety and shame.

Quote #4:
“Blanche moves back into the streak of light. She raises her arms and stretches...” (3.88)

Blanche uses her sexuality and appearance deliberately as a tool to influence men.
Sex appeal is her main power, unlike Stanley’s overt masculinity.

Quote #5:
“Blanche waltzes to the music with romantic gestures. Mitch is delighted and moves in awkward imitation...” (3.164)

Mitch is socially awkward and cannot match Blanche’s subtle sexual sophistication.
Highlights differing expressions of sexuality and complicates audience sympathies.

Quote #6:
STANLEY (violent shout): “STELL-LAHHHHH!” [They embrace with animal moans, he presses face to her belly, showing maternity]... (3.198)

Sex is portrayed as the intense, primal bond between Stanley and Stella.
Their physical connection is raw and powerful.

Quote #7:
STELLA: “Why on our wedding night... he rushed about smashing the light-bulbs...”
BLANCHE: “And you – you let him? Didn’t run, didn’t scream?”
STELLA: “I was – sort of – thrilled by it.” (4.18-22)

Stanley’s aggression has a sexual charge.
Stella is attracted to this violent passion, showing complex attitudes toward desire.

Quote #8:
STELLA: “There are things that happen between a man and a woman in the dark...”
BLANCHE: “What you are talking about is brutal desire – just – Desire!...” (4.103-4)