A Streetcar Named Desire: A Level York Notes A Level Revision Guide

A Level Study Notes and Revision Guides

A Streetcar Named Desire: A Level York Notes

Tennessee Williams

Fill in the blanks

Fill in the missing word(s) in the quotation below, then check your answers.

Use of Language – Standard and non-standard English 1 of 2

You should be able to comment on how the English spoken by characters reflects their class and outlook.

When Blanche says that the touch of Stanley’s hands ‘insults’ her love letters, he says: ‘Don’t   that stuff!’ (Scene Two, p. 23).

Ask yourself: What does he mean, and how does his language reflect his class and character?

Possible answer: Stanley often uses this kind of non-standard English and street slang. He is accusing Blanche of trying to trick or manipulate him by her melodramatic reaction. His words are meant to show that he is too tough and street-wise to be fooled by her. He prides himself on his no-nonsense working-man’s manners and speech.