A Streetcar Named Desire
Reading Guide Questions
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
Scene 1
1. What mood do the opening stage direction and setting description create? What effect is created with
the music of the “blue piano”?
2. As the play begins, how is Stanley’s primitive nature revealed?
3. How is Stella described in the stage directions? How does she contrast with Stanley, aside from being
female?
4. What is known about Blanche before she speaks her first line?
5. What is Blanche’s reaction when she reaches Stella’s home? How does she react to Eunice’s efforts
to help her?
6. When Stella arrives home, Blanche tells her to turn off the overhead light. Why does she say this?
7. How is Blanche’s drinking problem introduced?
8. What reason does Blanche give for her arrival in New Orleans?
9. How does Blanche react to Stella’s apartment?
10. What does Blanche learn about Stanley before she meets him?
11. What has happened to Belle Reve?
12. When Stanley, Mitch and Steve return from bowling, what do they agree to do the next day?
13. What dramatic function do Steve and Eunice, as a couple, seem to serve?
Scene 2
1. Why is Stella taking Blanche out for the evening? What is Stanley’s reaction?
2. At the beginning of the scene, Blanche is taking a bath. Why? What is symbolic about this bath?
3. Why does Stella ask Stanley to understand and be nice to Blanche?
4. How does Stanley receive the news that Belle Reve has been lost?
5. Why does Stanley think that Blanche has “swindled” Stella?
6. How does Stanley react when Stella tells him to wait outside with her? Why do you think he acts this
way?
7. What does Blanche have to say about truth and illusion?
8. How do Blanche and Stanley seem to feel about each other? Support your answer with evidence from
the play.
9. How does Blanche interact with Stanley? What is she doing?
10. What does the appearance of the tamale vendor suggest at the end of the scene?
Scene 3
1. Describe the poker players. How is Mitch different from the other men?
2. Why and how does Stanley show his anger during the game?
3. Stella introduces Blanche to Mitch. What is Blanche’s immediate reaction to Mitch?
4. Explain Stella’s assessment of Stanley in relation to the other men.
5. How do the other men react to Mitch’s distraction and desire to quit the game?
6. When Stanley runs into the bedroom to turn off the music, why does he stop short at the sight of
Blanche?
7. Explain the significance of Mitch’s silver cigarette case/
