A Streetcar Named Desire

analyze Disappointment Scene 9 Mitch is disappointed to lose Blanche

analyze Disappointment Scene 9 Mitch is disappointed to lose Blanche

Asked by
Last updated by jill d #170087
Answers 1
Add Yours

Mitch is only comfortable when he's on the offensive – when Blanche's admission begins, he doesn't know how to respond. Her speech becomes more and more unhinged as it mingles with the cries of the Mexican woman, and Mitch just falls back and listens dumbly; he is disappointed but lacks empathy. Any hope for a relationship is over.

When she has exhausted her story of death and despair, Mitch cannot begin to process what he just heard. Instead, he fumblingly attempts to embrace her, sticking with the "she lied to me, she's just a tramp" line that he came in with, unable to deviate from that script. Blanche is even more alone than before – she bared her soul and her words fell on uncomprehending ears. The light was supposed to allow Mitch to see her for the first time, but instead it blinded him and burned her up. No wonder she screams fire.

Source(s)

http://www.gradesaver.com/a-streetcar-named-desire/study-guide/summary-scene-9