A Streetcar Named Desire: Key Quotes Scenes 5-6

Scene 5 & 6 marks a critical point in the relationship between Blanche and Mitch. Their budding, tentative romance serves as a stark contrast to the volatile dynamics between Stella and Stanley.
The scenes also deepen our understanding of Blanche’s past. Her confessions about her failed marriage and her deceased husband’s homosexuality expose her vulnerability and yearning for love and security.
The letter from Shep Huntleigh is a notable aspect of these scenes. It symbolises Blanche’s desperation and delusion as she clings onto the false hope of rescuing herself from a hopeless situation.

Blanche DuBois: Her flirtatious interactions with Mitch, filtered through her continued deceits about her age and past, uncover her desperate need for affirmation and affection.
Mitch: Represents compassion and gentleness diverging from the aggressive masculinity showcased by Stanley.
Stanley Kowalski: His skepticism and hostility towards Blanche intensifies in these scenes as he becomes privy to her secrets.

Desire and Delusion: Blanche’s yearning for love and security, and her deception to achieve it, is evident.
Gender Dynamics: The contrasting relationship between Blanche and Mitch with Stanley and Stella reflects cultural expectations of femininity and masculinity.
Past and Present: Blanche’s past keeps tugging at her present, hindering her future prospects.

“Head… papers…” - Mitch. Showcases Mitch’s naive and simplified view on mental health.
“I’m going to write a letter to him…shortly.” - Blanche. This indicates Blanche’s hopes for a rescue, however false or unlikely.
“I’ve got to be good – and put on my pretty clothes…” - Blanche. Illustrates Blanche’s desperate need to beautify herself, to attract and keep Mitch.

Usage of costuming - Blanche’s careful attention to her appearance can be seen as a cover-up to conceal her age and disgraceful past.
Foreshadowing - Stanley’s detective work to unveil Blanche’s deceit predicts further conflicts and complications.
Metaphor in Blanche’s description of her love for her ex-husband as a “white flame” representing purity, but also something that can be extinguishing
Use of music: The ‘blue piano’ conveys the mood for romance and connection between Blanche and Mitch.

When it comes to essay writing, remember to present these points in a coherent and detailed manner with appropriate references to the text.