Max Katzman July, 7th 2011
AP Literature


Reading Journal #1

Early into Scene 1, we begin to realize the many negative characteristics and qualities that Blanche displays. One of these is her hidden alcoholic tendency. Not long after she enters her sister’s home, she 'finds' a bottle of whiskey and pours herself some, attempting to be discrete. She cautiously replaces the bottle in its original place and washes the tumbler, so that no one is aware that it was ever in her possession. Very soon after, when she is reunited with her sister Stella, she says, “Open your pretty mouth and talk while I look around for some liquor!” It is here clearly evident that Blanche has a sense of dishonesty, as she already knows the location of the liquor while questioning her sister's knowledge of its whereabouts. She responds with enthusiasm and surprise when finding it, in stating, “I spy, I spy” as if she again did not know its original location. Stella questions if Blanche would like another drink, and she responds by stating the untrue answer, “No, one's my limit”
I have conflicting views of Blanche's characteristics and personality at this point of the play. Initially I am under the impression that Blanche is a debutante in nature as described by Tennessee Williams as “daintily dressed in a white suit with a fluffy bodice, necklace and earrings of pearl, white gloves and hat, looking as if she were arriving at a summer tea or cocktail party in the garden district” I feel as though the imagery that is initially portraying Blanche is shadowing a darker, bleak, and hedonistic individual who indulges in repetitive self destructive behaviours.

Reading Journal #2

Near the closing of Scene 5, we once again encounter yet another peculiar characteristic that Blanche displays. A young newspaperman arrives at the Kowalski's doorstep collecting money for the newspaper. Blanche is extremely suggestive and flirtatious with him stating that he makes her mouth water while touching his cheek. Needless to say this is the first time she has ever met the man, who is obviously significantly younger than she, but is reacting and responding to him in a very inappropriate manner. She is very complementary of the young man's appearance comparing him to a Prince. She conveys to him her urge to kiss him softly on the lips, without waiting for his approval and without any warning she proceeds to act on her intention.

I am troubled with this portion of the play. Blanche's continued inappropriate actions set a very disturbing atmosphere. From this point on, I foresee only negative outcomes of her improper behaviour. I am left with a sickened feeling in my stomach as Blanche clearly expresses feelings for Mitch, however she requires attention from more than one man, to quench her sexual thirst.

Reading Journal #3



Near the end of the play, both Blanche and Stanley again have consumed alcohol excessively. This occurs during Stella's stay in the hospital, awaiting the birth of her first child. Stanley rapes Blanche and whether it be used as a means of denial, escape or rationalization both he and Stella have Blanche committed to a mental institution at the end of play. I again was deeply disturbed in the direction and format of this play. I found the ending to be quite horrific and grotesque in nature in that the play ended on such a sad and gloomy note. We are not told whether or not Stella is aware of her husband’s actions with Blanche, and if she ever knew the truth behind why her sister exhibited all of these very peculiar attributes. It seemed to me throughout the play that Blanche never really had a fair chance, and was subjected to a lifestyle of horrific circumstances (i.e. the suicide of her closet homosexual spouse). I found this play to be extremely depressive. There was never a point throughout the play of optimism, happiness, or joy. Although one may be critical of a play of such gloomy and distraught nature, I thoroughly enjoyed the dramatic and unpredictable events that occurred.