A Streetcar Named Desire: Key Quotes Scenes 1-2

Scene 1 depicts Blanche’s arrival in New Orleans, and her consequent shock at the living conditions of her sister Stella and brother-in-law Stanley.
This scene, introducing the critical characters, likewise introduces critical themes: Class Conflict, Inevitable Decay, Reality vs Illusion, and Desire for Positive Change.
Scene 2 is Steinway focused: from Stanley’s excavation of Blanche’s papers to his revelation about Blanche’s past in Laurel, Mississippi.
As the tension builds, Stanley’s animosity toward Blanche begins to surface, dictating much of the narrative.

Blanche DuBois: In these initial scenes, she is depicted as a superficial, neurotic woman clinging to bygone glories, terrified of ageing.
Stanley Kowalski: Stanley is portrayed as powerful, raw, physically dominating, and quick to anger.
Stella Kowalski: Stella is represented as gentler, understanding, patient, but also highly dependent on Stanley and willing to endure his abusive behaviours.

Class conflict: Stanley’s and Blanche’s contrasting backgrounds are highlighted. Stanley, representing the new, industrial America, clashes with Blanche, representing the vanishing aristocracy.
Reality vs Illusion: Blanche’s obsession with appearances and inability to face reality play a significant role in these scenes.
Inevitable Decay: Williams underscores this theme through Blanche’s horror at the condition of the Kowalski’s flat and her frantic attempts to stop the passing of time.

“I can’t stand a naked light bulb, any more than I can a rude remark or a vulgar action” - Blanche. This quote underscores Blanche’s preoccupation with appearances and softness, suggestive of her escapist tendencies.
“I’ve been on to you from the start! Not once did you pull any wool over this boy’s eyes!” - Stanley. This quote highlights Stanley’s instinctual understanding of Blanche’s duplicity and foreshadows the climactic confrontation.

Symbolism: E.g. the use of light and darkness symbolises truth and deceit respectively, predominantly in Blanche’s character.
Dramatic Irony: This is prevalent in Stanley’s assertion that Blanche has never deceived him.
Foreshadowing: Stanley’s aggressive discarding of Blanche’s belongings and his threatening implications allude to the forthcoming issues.

This analysis should help in constructing an insightful, thorough, and analytical essay.