Scene Six: Summary

Literature in English: Cambridge International GCSE A Streetcar Named Desire, topic 2.3.2

It is late. Blanche and Mitch have been on a night out together.

There is a debate about streetcar routes with Mitch mentioning a route from Bourbon on an "owl-car" whilst Blanche asks if the "streetcar named Desire" is still operating at this hour? This seems a playful metaphor. However, Mitch has been respectful all night.
Mitch is worried because it seems that Blanche is leaving and he does not want her to go. He asks to kiss her but she suggests a night-cap with a "Bohemian" feel – again acting out one of her fantasies.

Blanche tells Mitch to make himself more comfortable. Mitch admits that he works out at the New Orleans Athletic Club and that he is strong and physically fit. He moves to lift her up and metaphorically this seems to be what he can do for her.
They joke about what might happen since they are alone but Blanche ironically boasts that she has "old-fashioned ideals".

They talk about Stanley. Knowing that Mitch and Stanley are friends, she explains that Stanley is rude to her. Blanche imitates how Stanley feels about her with a "gesture of revulsion".

Mitch is genuine in his affection for Blanche and says that he has talked to his mother about her. The question of her age is discussed but it is never revealed. This precedes the next sequence in this scene.
When they get to talk about death, Blanche confesses to Mitch that once she was married to a young man, Allan Grey, whom she later discovered had a sexual encounter with an older man.
Grey later committed suicide when Blanche told him she was disgusted with him.

Instead of repelling him, Blanche’s story touches Mitch, who tells Blanche that they need each other.

Test yourself on Scene Six: Summary