1. A Streetcar Named Desire
Scenes 4-6
Characters
1. Stella and Blanche respond differently to Stanley's violent
actions during the poker game the previous night (at the end of
scene three). What does Blanche want to do? Who is Shep
Huntleigh? What does Stella want to do? What does Stella
suggest is the foundation of her marriage with Stanley? In what
ways is Stella being asked to choose between her sister and her
husband?
2. At the end of scene four Blanche reveals her thoughts about
Stanley. How does she describe and characterize him? Where
is Stanley while Blanche is talking? Does he overhear her? If
so, how do you think he would respond? When Stanley reenters
the apartment at the end of the scene, Stella runs to him and
hugs him. Why is this significant? Does it suggest something
about Stella's relationship with Stanley and her relationship
with Blanche?
3. Describe Blanche's relationship with Stanley in scene five. How
does this latest conflict between them end? Are their conflicts in
each scene becoming increasingly more serious?
4. How would you describe the relationship between Steve and
Eunice? Does their marriage provide a different view of love in
the play?
5. In scene five, Blanche again mentions Shep Huntleigh. Why
does she write to him? Is she honest? Why does she not tell
the "truth"?
6. In scene five, we see Blanche drinking again. Why does she
drink? What is she nervous about?
7. Can you explain the dynamics of Blanche's encounter with the
newspaper boy? Why does Blanche flirt with him?
8. What does Blanche want from Mitch? Is she honest with him?
Describe their relationship at the end of scene five and during
scene six. Is Mitch an aristocratic southern gentleman? If not,
provide examples from scene six to support your answer. Do
they love each other? How is their relationship different from the
relationship between Stanley and Stella?
9. In scene six Blanche explains her relationship with her
husband. What does she unexpectedly learn about him? How
does she respond to this? What does her husband do? How does
Blanche respond to his death? Does this explain why the polka
music repeats in her mind? What does this music symbolize for
Blanche?