A Streetcar Named Desire

A few hours later, Blanche is still drinking. Her trunk is open in the middle of the room, flowery dresses flowing out of it. She has on a “somewhat soiled and crumpled white satin evening gown” (151)with silver slippers and her rhinestone tiara. She is talking to herself, mumbling about diving into the quarry. She lifts a mirror to her face and smashes it down, shattering it. 

Stanley rounds the corner and enters the flat, tipsy and carrying a pack of beer. Blanche inquires about her sister and the baby. He tells her the baby will arrive in the morning, so it will be just them two in the flat for the evening. He asks why she is dressed in the gown and tiara, and she begins to explain how she received a wire from Shep Huntleigh inviting her to go on a cruise. Stanley prompts her to explain more. 

She explains that he’s an oil-man from Texas. Stanley takes off his shirt and opens a bottle of beer. She declines to join him. He goes into the bedroom and grabs the silk pajamas from his wedding night. He plans to put them on once he gets the phone call that the baby has arrived and says that it’s a celebratory night for them both.