drugs/alcohol

Quote #1

“She springs up and crosses to it, and removes a whiskey bottle. She pours a half tumbler of whiskey and tosses it down.” (1.71)

• Drinking is Blanche’s immediate coping mechanism upon arriving.

Quote #2

“…your sister hasn’t turned into a drunkard, she’s just all shaken up and hot and tired and dirty!” (1.91)

• Stella is the only person Blanche admits her drinking to, showing trust.

Quote #3

“No, one’s my limit.” (1.111)

• Blanche tries to hide her drinking to protect her genteel image.

Quote #4

“I’m not accustomed to having more than one drink. Two is the limit – and three! [She laughs] Tonight I had three.” (3.131)

• Blanche lies to Mitch about her drinking; the truth begins to slip out.

Quote #5

“The rapid feverish polka tune, the 'Varsouviana,' is heard. The music is in her mind; she is drinking to escape.” (Stage Directions, 9)

• Alcohol is a way for Blanche to escape her traumatic past and reality.

Quote #6

“[She rushes about frantically, hiding the bottle in a closet, crouching at the mirror and dabbing her face with cologne and powder.]” (9.3)

• Blanche conceals her drinking and aging to maintain her allure for Mitch.

Quote #7

“I told you already I don’t want none of his liquor and I mean it. You ought to lay off his liquor. He says you been lapping it up all summer like a wild-cat.” (9.22)

• Mitch insults Blanche’s drinking, showing its clash with her delicate persona.

Quote #8

“Blanche has been drinking fairly steadily since Mitch left… a mood of hysterical exhilaration came into her…” (Stage Directions, 10)

• Alcohol fuels Blanche’s mental breakdown and denial.