Lesson 8 ( Scene 7) 

Aim: What is going to happen between Blanche and Mitch?
Do Now: Journal Writing
On page 99, Blanche sang blithely while Stanley was telling Stella what he had found out about Blanche's past,"Say, it's only a paper moon, Sailing over a cardboard sea- But it wouldn't be make-believe If you believed in me". What is your understanding of this song? How does the song shed light on the fact Blanche has been lying about her past to Stella, Stanley and Mitch?

Procedures:
Discuss the following questions after reading scene 7
1. In the beginning of this scene, why does Tennessee Williams let Blanche's singing of the ballad happen contrapuntally with Stanley's speech? What's the dramatic effect of this method?
2. What kind of world is Blanche trying to create around herself? Has she succeeded? Why not? What is the main obstacle?
3. Do you think the story Stanley told Stella about Blanche is entirely true? Defend your answer.
4. Why is the refrain"But it wouldn't be make-believe if you believed in me" so revealing  ?
5. What is so ironic about Blanche 's speech "Oh, I feel so good after my long, hot bath, I feel so good and cool and -rested?"
6. What is the effect of this dramatic irony used in this scene?
7. When Stella said sadly and doubtfully to Blanche:"Do you, Blanche? " in response to Blanche's happy mood, what is being foreshadowed?
8. What does "paper moon" symbolize? What does "cardboard sea" symbolize?

Homework
Describe what Blanche thinks her future will be at this poinrt of the play ( write a monologue from Blanche's point of view or diary entry).