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the END of SND (The Rape Scene (10) ('soiled and crumpled white satin…
the END of SND
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The Rape Scene (10)
prompted by a combination of alcohol and mental instability we see Blanche at the peak of her insanity...
she is in her cheap finery and imagines she is hosting a high-class party etc. (living out her delusions)
Stanley has also been drinking: the fact that both of them are intoxicated suggests that even less self restraint will be exercised and this sets up the potential for a very volatile atmosphere
whilst Blanche drinks to escape her real self and the consequences of her past, Stanley's drunken state emphasis his virility
throughout the play B and S act as oppositions to each other as they usually do the same thing but for Stanley these enhance his power and for Blanche these acts are signs of weakness
Blanche, although amongst an illusionary state, correctly perceives that Stanley's predatory nature is focused on her and to try to regain control she tells several lies
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'soiled and crumpled white satin evening gown' and 'scuffed silver slippers' in white but it is spoiled, expressionistic facade of purity and virginal innocence collapsing.
contrasted to stanley in 'vivid green silk bowling shirt', tb to poker scene, proleptic irony, audience anticipates agression and violence.
attacks her emotionally and verbally 'there isnt a goddam thing but imagination', 'take a look at your self in that worn out Mardi Gras outfit' and then physically
'the shadows are of a grotesque and menacing form', ' inhuman voices like cried in a jungle' rape is depicted epxressionistically
The moment in which Blanche insults Stanley he drops his 'good-natured' veneer and exposes his violent nature
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the shadows: lurid, grotesque shadows and reflections on the wall surround Blanche
Blanche usually cultivates shadows in the play, rather than facing the harsh light of reality but now even the shadows are threatening
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she still tries to convince herself that she can escape but her delusions of male rescuer cannot compare to Stanley's overpowering animalistic presence
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the fact that we do not see the rape echoes classical Greek tragedy whereby the play's most climatic and violent act happens offstage