How is alcohol used in A Streetcar Named Desire?
Alcohol is used as a means of escape in A Streetcar Named Desire. Main character Blanche DuBois uses booze to distract herself from reality and to retreat further into a world of fantasy and cleverly contrived artifice.
What kind of liquor is Blanche drinking?
whiskey
Upon entering the Kowalski’s’ household, Blanche pours herself half of a tumbler of whiskey. This act foreshadows her outright dependence on the substance. It is evident throughout the play that she tries to keep up her aristocratic façade by only drinking whiskey, which is an expensive and strong form of liquor.
What does Blanche lie about drinking reveal to us?
What does Blanche’s lie about drinking reveal to us? Blanche is not in the right state of mind and by hiding her drinking habit, she could be lying about many other stories she mentioned from her past. -Stanley does not like Blanche to be in his home as she is very haughty and putting down Stella and Stanley.
What does Stanley raping Blanche symbolize?
Stanley’s final statement to Blanche that they have “had this date from the beginning” suggests that his rape of her has been fated all along. The rape also symbolizes the final destruction of the Old South’s genteel fantasy world, symbolized by Blanche, by the cruel but vibrant present, symbolized by Stanley.
Why does Stanley drink alcohol?
Stanley’s drinking is social: he drinks with his friends at the bar, during their poker games, and to celebrate the birth of his child.
Why does Blanche bathe so much?
Bathing Symbol Analysis Blanche takes frequent baths throughout the play to “soothe her nerves.” Bathing is an escape from the sweaty apartment: rather than confront her physical body in the light of day, Blanche retreats to the water to attempt to cleanse herself and forget reality.
What Blanche says about herself?
In all previous sexual encounters, Blanche had freely given of herself. As she leaves, she says, “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” Thus, Blanche’s life ends in the hands of the strange doctor. She was too delicate, too sensitive, too refined, and too beautiful to live in the realistic world.
Is Blanche Dubois an alcoholic?
Both Stanley and Blanche drink frequently throughout the play. Blanche hides her alcoholism, constantly claiming that she rarely drinks while secretly sneaking frequent shots. She uses drinking as an escape mechanism.
Where does the alcohol symbol appear in A Streetcar Named Desire?
The timeline below shows where the symbol Alcohol and Drunkenness appears in A Streetcar Named Desire. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance. …bed for Blanche, and the bedroom. Suddenly, Blanche springs up to the closet, finds a whiskey bottle, and quickly takes a drink.
Who was Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire?
Stanley Kowalski Character Timeline in A Streetcar Named Desire. Blanche tries to go back into the bedroom, but Stanley blocks her way. She rushes past him, claiming that she has forgotten something. The Doctor sends the Matron in to grab Blanche. The Matron advances on one side, Stanley on the other.
Why does Blanche take a bath in A Streetcar Named Desire?
Blanche also uses bathing as a stress reliever. Water symbolizes cleansing and purity. In the Bible, John the Baptist symbolically washes away people’s sins with water from the Jordan River. Whenever Blanche feels unclean from a memory, or from seeing something that upsets her, she immediately requests to draw a bath.
What are the differences between men and women in Streetcar Named Desire?
CRITISISM From a feminist perspective, A Streetcar Named Desire is a work ready to be analyzed. The differences between men and women are especially prominent in the relationship between Stanley and Stella. The language and actions that Stanley uses to address his wife are quite vulgar.