“Everyone
betrays, and everyone is betrayed.” In light of this comment, discuss the
presentation of the theme of betrayal in the play.
Betrayal is made apparent through a loss of faith and
disappointment in the play. It is a recurring theme and is perhaps most
perfectly illustrated in Scene Nine, when Blanche is told by her suitor that
she is “not clean enough” to present to his mother. Being told that she is not
worth marrying is one of the worst things a woman can hear, especially in
1940’s America, a time when society was largely centred around the family.
Williams also introduces a humiliating irony when this sly phrase is said because
Blanche is trying so hard to wash herself clean of her past throughout the play
(as demonstrated by her constant bathing). Therefore, by Mitch reminding
Blanche of her past mistakes which made her figuratively filthy, he has
forsaken her. This is emphasised by
Williams’ use of the adjective “clean” which almost has a mocking tone to it.
This betrayal of the protagonist by a person who is supposed to accept her, who
she hopes to marry in the near future, evokes sympathy in the audience towards
the character of Blanche during the rising action. In some ways Williams uses
this scene to foreshadow the tragic fall of Blanche at the end of “A Streetcar
Named Desire”.
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