Reading scenes 6-9 of Streetcar was a wild ride, to say the least. In these chapters, we learn about Blanche's past, Stanley's frustrations, and Mitch and Blanche's relationship in more depth.
In scene 6, Blanche and Mitch return from an awkward date and clearly struggle to maintain a connection. Mitch is awkward and constantly apologizing, and Blanche is clearly hiding something. After going inside, the two somewhat make conversation before Blanche discloses just some of her background. Here, we learn that Blanche's past lover killed himself. The reason for this being that Blanche found out about that he was cheating on her with a man and tells him he is disgusting. This makes me wonder if Blanche was simply a cover for him and if he actually loved her. If so, it is heartbreaking to think that Blanche worshipped this man who did not reciprocate those feelings. Also in this scene, we learn why Blanche is always in the shadows, "And then the searchlight which had been turned on the world was turned off again and never for one moment since has there been any light that's stronger than this kitchen candle" (115).
In scene 7, we see Stanley's hatred for Blanche even more. He has been asking his friends about Blanche. He tells Stella that Blanche has been lying about her virginity to Mitch, had many rendezvous with men in a hotel, and also was caught with a 17-year-old boy. Honestly, this wasn't that surprising to me basing off of how Blanche acts to all the men in her life. It seems that after her past lover's suicide, she has become hyper-obsessed with men and sex. Whether it is the first encounter with Stanley, the young man, Mitch, or any other men who stop by the house, she is alarmingly fixated on them.
In scene 8, the birthday party for Blanche is uncomfortable at best. Blanche picks up something and fears what Stella has learned about her. Stanley, as usual, lashes out. This time he shatters a plate because he is frustrated with being called a Polack and an animal. Although I don't agree with his methods, I see where he is coming from. He is only seen as a brute, which makes him act like a brute even more. Also, he is frustrated with his marriage because he believes that Blanche brings unnecessary tension and anger into the house. At the end of the scene, Stella goes into labor (I think)!
In the final scene of last night's reading, Mitch begrudgingly confronts Blanche. He is clearly frustrated with her and Blanche overcompensates to attempt to lighten the mood. Something I found offputting about this scene was how she reacted with the light. She has a full on freak out when he tries to see her. I feel that Blanche believes she must stay in the dark to cling onto Mitch. Here, she admits everything she has done. Mitch says that she is "not clean enough" for his mother and leaves. Once again, Blanche is left alone and she panics.
