Scene 5 is a pivotal scene in relation the theme of reality and illusion and how it is central to the character of Blanche and the persona she has created for herself as the scene marks a major shift in the protagonist’s mental stability.
The theme of reality and illusion is intertwined with Blanche’s mental state and desperation to survive in a world alien to her and Williams uses plastic theatre to encompass that using symbolism in staging. From the star her polarising difference to her surroundings is made apparent as ‘her appearance is incongruous to the setting’. This is referring to Blanches ‘white suit with a fluffy bodice’ and it’s stark disparity with the ‘weathered grey’ houses of Elysian Fields. As the play progresses it is evident …show more content…
Blanche’s past experiences play a role in her desire to seek refuge from a world which shuns her through Mitch’s kindness. ‘I want to rest! I want to breathe quietly again’ is powerful in revealing the theme of illusion and reality is central to the play in that Blanche utilises illusion to find solace in the world. ‘You were a cleft in the rock of the world that I could hide in’ shows a completely different side to Blanche, contradictory to the duplicitous character that could not be associated with vulnerability. Williams creates further poignancy in Blanche’s desperation of clinging onto her illusory world, ‘I want Mitch… very badly!’ as alongside portraying the increasing extent of her illusory persona, Williams repeatedly alludes to her downfall and ultimate revelation about her true character. In the extract, ‘I won’t hang around until he – throws me out’ holds retrospective dramatic irony as Blanche’s tragic end is at Stanley’s hands and his link to the illusion and reality is being the catalyst that ultimately destroys her
The theme of reality and illusion is intertwined with Blanche’s mental state and desperation to survive in a world alien to her and Williams uses plastic theatre to encompass that using symbolism in staging. From the star her polarising difference to her surroundings is made apparent as ‘her appearance is incongruous to the setting’. This is referring to Blanches ‘white suit with a fluffy bodice’ and it’s stark disparity with the ‘weathered grey’ houses of Elysian Fields. As the play progresses it is evident …show more content…
Blanche’s past experiences play a role in her desire to seek refuge from a world which shuns her through Mitch’s kindness. ‘I want to rest! I want to breathe quietly again’ is powerful in revealing the theme of illusion and reality is central to the play in that Blanche utilises illusion to find solace in the world. ‘You were a cleft in the rock of the world that I could hide in’ shows a completely different side to Blanche, contradictory to the duplicitous character that could not be associated with vulnerability. Williams creates further poignancy in Blanche’s desperation of clinging onto her illusory world, ‘I want Mitch… very badly!’ as alongside portraying the increasing extent of her illusory persona, Williams repeatedly alludes to her downfall and ultimate revelation about her true character. In the extract, ‘I won’t hang around until he – throws me out’ holds retrospective dramatic irony as Blanche’s tragic end is at Stanley’s hands and his link to the illusion and reality is being the catalyst that ultimately destroys her