A Streetcar Named Desire, Scenes 5-8

     In the scene 5 of Streetcar Named Desire, we learn more about Eunice and Steve's relationship. We witness a fight between them- one seemingly more dramatic than Stanley and Stella. Both Eunice and Steve get physically hurt and she threatens to call the police. Moments later, they return from the bar together and have their arms wrapped around each other. I thought this was an interesting parallel with Stella and Stanley from earlier in the play. These two violent incidents exemplify what was normal during their time. I think that, judging from the book and what has happened already, there will be more violence that could potentially include Blanche as well. 

    Another interesting aspect in these scenes was the character development of Blanche. Despite Blanche's apparently strong feelings for Mitch, she kisses the newspaper collector. Later, she seems distraught in her relationship with Mitch because she worries about him getting bored and talks openly with him about the expectations she feels she has to fulfill for him. Moments later, she contrastingly says, "The lord and lady of the house have not yet returned, so come in. We'll have a night-cap. Let's leave the lights off. Shall we?" (Williams 103). This seems to be a big step for their relationship and is very different from what Blanche was talking about earlier. Later, she begins to speak to him in French, even though Mitch does not know French, and tempts him without him knowing. Blanche is a very interesting character because she is sweet and calm sometimes, but then completely changes and becomes crazy. Lastly, Stanley uncovers more about Blanche that furthers her characterization in the chapters. He explains that Blanche was kicked out of a middle class hotel for immoral actions. She was also asked to leave by her school for sleeping with a student. Blanche does a good job of hiding all of these things from Stella and everyone else around her in New Orleans. I think her past, including her late husband, have impacted her a lot, making her a little crazy. I also think that Stanley (or someone) will confront her about her past again and I am curious to see if she ever actually owns up to anything. From the way she acts, it does not seem like she is willing to change how she is or work through her impactful past.