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Streetcar - Themes, symbolism and motifs - Coggle Diagram
Streetcar - Themes, symbolism and motifs
Bathing
This motif appears in
- Scene 2
Stella: She's soaking in a hot tub to quiet her nerves.
She's terribly upset.
- Scene 3
Blanche: I think I will bathe.
Stella: Again.
Blanche: My nerves are in knots. Is the bathroom
occupied?
- Scene 7
Stanley: How long she been in there?
Stella: All afternoon.
Stanley: (mimicking) Soaking in a hot tub?
Stella: Yes.
Stanley: Temperature 100 on the nose, and she soaks
herself in a hot tub.
Stella: She says it cools her off for the evening.
Blanche is desperate to feel 'clean' so she is seen in the bathtub at multiple points throughout the play. She does this in an attempt to cleanse her from the sins she committed before moving to Stella and Stanley's house. She claims that the excessive bathing is to calm her nerves.
Lighting
Throughout the play, Blanche shields herself from lighting and always hides in the shadows. This could present the idea that she is hiding her true self and doesn't want others (Mitch or Stella) to see who she really is.
Alcoholism
Stanley is often seen drinking with his friends when playing poker etc. He is a social drinker who often gets angry when drunk
On the other hand, Blanche is a private drinker who doesn't want anyone to know about her alcoholism. She uses alcohol to hide her true identity as she doesn't like who she has become.
Light
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The paper lantern is used like a shield to block out the strong light of the naked bulb in the Kowalski apartment.
It’s also about blocking the world from Blanche’s eyes. She doesn’t want to see it. She doesn’t want to deal with reality.
Fantasy vs reality
Blanche's persona: age, innocence, social class
Blanche's life: relationship with Shep, experiences with holidays and people, loss of Belle Reve
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Desire
Blanche lusts over many things such as youth, men etc
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Mental health
Blanche's madness started after her husband's suicide and she has been slowly slipping but coming to New Orleans caused her to lose herself completely
Flowers
At the end of scene five, when Mitch brings Blanche roses. He’s using flowers to court Blanche
Scene Nine, when the Mexican woman comes around selling flores para los muertos, or "flowers for the dead."
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