A Streetcar Named Desire: Character & Key Quotes: Blanche

Blanche DuBois: Blanche, the protagonist, is Stella’s older sister and a fallen southern belle.
Background: Coming from a wealthy background, Blanche’s fall from grace acts as a catalyst for the foray of self-denial and illusion.
Evokes sympathy: Despite her faults and manipulative behaviour, Blanche can be viewed sympathetically due to her tragic past and fragile mental state.
Represents the Old South: Her refined and flamboyant mannerisms represent the Old South and its downfall.
Detachment from Reality: Blanche relies heavily on illusion to cope with her bitter reality, symbolising the conflict between reality and fantasy.

“I don’t want realism. I want magic!” - This encapsulates Blanche’s disconnection from reality, revealing her need for a world filled with elegant and comforting illusions.
“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” - This portrays Blanche’s fragility and her constant search for male support and validation.
“I used to sit here and she used to sit over there and death was as close as you are… We didn’t dare admit we had ever heard of it!” - Through this dramatic monologue, Blanche reveals to Mitch the devastating experience of watching her loved ones die, and the guilt that maybe she should’ve done more for them.
“Tell me, am I looking wonderful?” - Blanche’s excessive pride in her looks underscores her fears of aging and losing her attractiveness.

With Stella: Blanche and Stella share a sisterly bond, though their disparate lifestyles and attitudes toward reality create tension.
With Stanley: Stanley is Blanche’s ideological opposite, reflecting conflict between the old and new societal order.
With Mitch: Blanche sees Mitch as a potential saviour, but her deceit regarding her past sabotages the relationship.

Reliance on Illusion: Blanche’s inability to accept reality leads to her tragic end, symbolising the inevitable failure when fantasy and reality collide.
Examining Troubled Understanding of Self: Blanche’s character urges readers to analyse issues of self-deception, past’s influence and illusory aspects of life.

Use this guide to interpret Blanche’s complex character, her interactions, and significant quotes for a comprehensive understanding.