How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Scene.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.
Quote #4
BLANCHE
The four-letter word deprived us of our plantation, till finally all that was left — and Stella can verify that! — was the house itself and about twenty acres of ground, including a graveyard, to which now all but Stella and I have retreated. (2.148)
It’s interesting that Blanche blames sex for the loss of Belle Reve, when her own "epic fornications" have cost her so dearly.
Quote #5
STELLA
You are as fresh as a daisy.
BLANCHE
One that’s been picked a few days. (3.33-4)
Wait a minute…flowers…death…sounds familiar. You’d better go check out "Symbols, Imagery, Allegory." Meanwhile, compare this line to the other mention of daisies later in the play, when Blanche references the soldiers outside her window.
Quote #6
BLANCHE
The first time I laid eyes on [Stanley] I thought to myself, that man is my executioner! That man will destroy me. (6.102)
Interesting choice of words, isn’t it? Notice how rape – a sexual act and therefore one that involves desire – brings about the effective "execution" of Blanche’s sanity.