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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. To where do Stella and Blanche retreat?

2. What is Blanche wearing when she steps out of her bath?

3. What is Harold Mitchell's nickname?

4. Who offers Blanche a shoulder to cry on after the events of the evening?

5. What does Blanche do in order to prepare for her night out with Stella?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Stella introduce Mitch to Blanche when they arrive home from their night out?

2. How does Mitch first make small talk with Blanche?

3. What do Stella and Blanche intend to do the night after Blanche arrives?

4. What does Blanche suggest they do in order to leave Stanley and the "situation" behind?

5. What happened on Stella's wedding night that horrifies Blanche, but Stella admits thrilled her?

6. How does Blanche mock her sister's desire?

7. What solution to the argument between Eunice and Steve does Stella find more practical?

8. What does Stella say is more important to her than any other thing in her relationship?

9. What is happening between Eunice and Steve at the beginning of scene 5 that frightens Blanche?

10. What has Shaw revealed to Stanley about Blanche?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Stella, it seems, left her family in order to be with Stanley. Why do you think she deserted Blanche? Or is that not the case? Why do you think Stella stayed away from Blanche, not even introducing her to her husband? Or was the estrangement mutual? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Stanley is an incredible brute as displayed in the play. His temper and his anger seem to be terrifying to read, but yet, Stella says it excites her. Do you believe Stella when she says this? Why or why not? What do you think Stella sees in Stanley that no other person can see?

Essay Topic 3

The rape of Blanche is hard to define in this play as the play was written in a time when the mere thought of rape was inconceivable. Why do you think Tennessee Williams decided to use a rape scene in this play? What does it say about Stanley? What does this scene say about Blanche? Was this scene necessary? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 643 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample