A Streetcar Named Desire: Theme & Key Quotes: Interior vs Exterior

The theme of Interior vs Exterior sheds light on the stark differences between the inner workings of characters and their external image.
The theme also explores the clash between social facades and the realities of life.
It delves into the façade presented by Blanche and the stark, harsh realities of her existence.

Blanche DuBois: Blanche’s façade as a delicate southern belle contrasts sharply with her history and the harsh, raw reality of her life.
Stanley Kowalski: Unlike Blanche, he does not attempt to embellish reality with fancy pretences. Stanley embodies the harsh exterior of life.

Deception and Truth: Blanche exists in a world of illusion, often resorting to deception in order to shield herself from harsh realities.
Class and Society: The theme of Interior vs Exterior also highlights societal prejudices, as manifested through Blanche’s pretentious exterior.

“I don’t want realism. I want magic! Yes, yes, magic. I try to give that to people. I do misrepresent things. I don’t tell truths. I tell what ought to be the truth.” - Blanche. This showcases Blanche’s preference for illusions and her intentional deceit.
“Some men are took in by this Hollywood glamour and some men are not.” - Stanley. This quote is an embodiment of the reality that Stanley represents and Blanche tries to escape.

Irony: Blanche’s outward appearance of charm and sophistication is purely an act, which is in direct contrast to her scandalous past.
Symbolism: The paper lantern that Blanche hangs over the bare light bulb can be seen as a representation of her need to mask reality with illusion.
Foreshadowing: Stanley’s discovery of Blanche’s past suggests a looming confrontation, symbolising the forthcoming shattering of her illusions.
Each character’s use of language (Stanley’s flat colloquial language vs. Blanche’s flowery, sophisticated language) reflects their contrasting views of reality.