A Streetcar Named Desire: Scene 7

Scene 7 transpires in the Kowalski apartment, which is visually adorned in preparation for Stella’s birthday.
Stanley reveals to Stella the scandalous information he has discovered about Blanche’s past, asserting that she is far from the innocent person she appears to be.
Stanley discloses his intentions of telling Mitch, Blanche’s potential love interest about these implications to prevent their marriage.

Stanley Kowalski: Stanley continues to present himself as a brutish, dominant figure with a deep resentment for Blanche, feeling she is a threat to his domestic stability.
Stella Kowalski: Stella is torn between her loyalty to her husband and her sympathetic concern for her sister, finding it hard to believe Stanley’s revelations.
Blanche DuBois: Absent but central to the scene, she is revealed to have a tainted past which she appears to be running from.

Reality versus Illusion: This theme is underscored by the revelation of Blanche’s scandalous past, contrasting with the innocent persona she presents to Mitch and the Kowalskis.
Conflict: The tension between Stanley and Blanche heightens, not physically manifested but conveyed through Stanley’s conversation with Stella.
Decay and Death: Blanche’s past catching up to her signifies the metaphorical decay of her crafted image and foreshadows the death of her relationship with Mitch.

“Blanche is no lily” - Stanley. Stanley’s play on words here symbolises his belief that Blanche, whose name means ‘white’ or ‘pure’ in French, is far from innocent.
“Honey, it’s gonna be all right after she goes…” - Stanley. This is a reassurance to Stella that the domestic tension will fade post Blanche’s departure, revealing his intentions and desires.

Tennessee Williams utilises dramatic irony, where the audience knows about Blanche’s past before she and other characters do.
The playwright uses foreshadowing effectively, with the revelations about Blanche’s past hinting at future conflicts and ruin.
Williams presents symbolism through the use of light and colour, particularly the birthday decorations, to contrast the joyful occasion with the dark revelations.
He further uses stage directions, especially Stanley’s actions and gestures, revealing his oppressive attitude and increasing dominance.

Remember to adopt this information pragmatically, interpret critically, evaluate its impact and implement it coherently in your essays.