How does Williams create a sense of tension and drama for the audience in this extract (scene 4 monologue)? (30 marks)

How does Williams create a sense of tension and drama for the audience in this extract(scene 4 monologue)? You should analyse language closely and the way it is crafted to create effects.(30 marks)

During scene 4 a lot of drama is caused within Blanche's speech, while in conversation with Stella. What makes this scene dramatic to the audience, is the use of dramatic irony. The fact that the audience knows that Stanley can hear the conversation makes the reader anxious.

John McRae lecture notes: 5

The man at the end of scene 5 is a new kind of masculinity.

All senses are explored in this scene

Simple scene

'temporary magic' key phrase in this scene.

Astrology, Blanche is a Virgo 'suggestion to virginity'.

'flamingo' in the south means 'whore' and 'this man named shaw' says he met her in the Hotel Flamingo.

The audience remain beside Blanche.

'I have seen it and smelled it' the use of the senses is powerful because it makes it all more real and revealing. The way she is in denial, stresses the information she doesn't want to reveal.

'I never was hard or self sufficient enough' this line shows how her layers if secrecy are being broken down by Stanley.

'make a little- temporary magic just in order to pay for - one night's shelter!' mentions that she took money, suggests she had been a prostitute of some sort, in order to survive.

'caught in the storm' Blanche is caught in the centre and she realises she has to find some sort of refuge or shelter.

Pure tragedy, a character from a high social position, normlay a man, falls becasue of their fatal flaw.

Catharsis, the release of the emotions of fear and pity, Arastotle's theory.

John McRae lecture notes: 4

'There is confusion of street cries like a choral chant.' indicates that all the outside noises, lights, shadows and happenings are choral commentary saying that 'life goes on'.

Life goes on for Blanche, tragic, mental difficulties, drinking problem, she still survives. Question if its a tragedy. Critics say, the tragedy is the unfulfilled desire. Desire is the key word, the main focus of the play.

Shep Huntleigh, important in the role of Blanche's inner battle. We don't know if hes real, or imagined, however these men and Blanche thinking they will help her, is something that keeps her going. They keep Blanche hopeful. The scene with Shep mentioned is questioned to be either fantasy or reality. The audience realise that, Shep doesn't exist, but Blanche's husband does exist.

'you saw him at his worst last night.' (Stella)
'On the contrary, I saw him at his best!' (Blanche)
Blanche tells Stella how to live with a man. 'job' word implies money, a dig at how Stella is almost paid to be with Stanley, because she can't support herself.

'Beastiel' really shows the contrast between having to express emotions frequently or having the Belle Reve, Laurel approach and bottling your emotions.

'Survivor of the Stone Age...' 'and you here waiting for him.' Stella has accepted her role. Blanche never found a man she can accept that role with.

'the trains passing' can be referred to be a sexual symbol.

'Flag' the flag of the southern state, the flag is still flown. Tennessee, he wants to highlight that feelings are permitted.