A Streetcar Named Desire: Key Quotes Scene 11

Scene Summary

Scene 11 occurs in the Kowalski apartment with Blanche, unnerved and sporadically lucid, being coaxed and eventually seized by a doctor and nurse.
This is the concluding scene of the play where Stanley and Stella decide to have Blanche committed to an insane asylum.
Blanche’s breakdown is complete and this scene illustrates her total disconnect from reality.

Characters

Blanche DuBois: Betrayed and confused, Blanche is the tragic centerpiece of this scene. She’s depicted increasingly detached from reality, symbolising her final fall.
Stella Kowalski: Stella is wracked with guilt over betraying her sister and doubts over Stanley’s truthfulness increase.
Stanley Kowalski: Stanley asserts his authority and dominance over his household and continues to exhibit no sympathy for Blanche.

Themes

Illusion versus Reality: Blanche’s retreat into her fantasies and delusions becomes total, underscored by her famous line: “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers”.
Conflict: The conflict culminates, with Blanche’s “loss” being Stanley’s “victory”.
Demise and Mental Decay: This theme is fully realised in Blanche’s mental breakdown.

Key Quotes

“Whoever you are, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers” - Blanche. This is one of the most famous lines from the play. It underscores Blanche’s deep-seated belief in the gentility and politeness of society, even in her dazed and vulnerable state.
“I couldn’t believe her story and go on living with Stanley” - Stella. Stella reveals the depth of her guilt and the choice she had to make in order to keep her family together.

Literary Style and Devices

Williams uses tragic irony, as the audience sympathetically watches Blanche, aware of her disturbing past and imminent fate.
The device of foreshadowing is brilliantly realised in Blanche’s breakdown, which had been hinted at throughout the play.
The declining arc of a tragic heroine is executed with Blanche, as she succumbs to her delusions and fragmentation of self.
Symbolic light and musical motifs continue to play a critical role, underscoring Blanche’s mental and emotional state.

This scene concludes the tragic narrative of Blanche and further showcases Williams’ deft handling of complex themes and deep human issues. Use this insight wisely, integrating it into your critical analysis efficiently. Remember to consider the impact of tension, character development, and thematic evolution while discussing Scene 11 in your essay.