Summary

Scene Two begins at six o’clock the evening after Blanche’s arrival. As Blanche bathes, Stella and Stanley discuss the women’s plans to go to Galatoire’s for dinner and then to a show because it is Stanley’s poker night. Stella reveals that the family has lost Belle Reve, and when Stanley asks how, Stella is unsure in her answer. Stanley pursues the topic, asking why Blanche didn’t show any papers or bill of sale, and expresses suspicion that Blanche is attempting to swindle Stella and himself.

Stanley enlightens Stella on the Napoleonic code, “according to which, what belongs to the wife belongs to the husband and vice versa,” then, giving up on obtaining information from Stella intends to ask Blanche directly about the property loss when she gets out of the tub (Scene Two, p. 36). Stanley storms to Blanche’s wardrobe...