Sum up the exposition Williams defines for "The Poker Night" scene. What is the implication of the reference to "primary colors," including the "bold" colors of the linoleum, the shirts, the watermelon-- "the raw colors of childhood's spectrum?"
Williams' exposition for "The Poker Night" conveys a guys' night composed of tough yet childish men. Stanley, Steve, Pablo, and Mitch are sitting at a table in the basement playing poker. They are described wearing "colored shirts, solid blues, a purple, a red-and-white check, [and] a light green." All of them are wearing a primary color. Primary colors are sometimes thought of as bold, yet childish. They are strong colors but aren't very complex. These colors refer to how the men act during poker nights. They try and appear like strong, tough guys, but in reality are acting like children, as illustrated by their quick and emotional tempers. The watermelon juxtaposed with the whisky bottles adds to this idea. Watermelon is a whimsical fruit, often times seen eaten by young children. It is very rarely in the hands of an adult in literature or movies. On the other hand, whisky is seen as one of the manliest drinks. Williams' exposition portrays the men as powerful and strong on the outside, but naïve and temperamental on the inside.
Recount your impressions of the relationship that exists between Stella and Blanche at the end of scene four; also discuss how one might characterize the relationship between Stanley and Stella.
Stella and Blanche's relationship becomes a little more hostile and heated at the end of scene four. Prior to this, their relationship had been all support for one another and light conversation topics. At the end of scene four Blanche is telling Stella she would be better off without Stanley, but Stella replies that their "physical relationship makes everything else seem-- unimportant" and criticizes Blanche for having her own guilty pleasures. The two argue for a bit and more is revealed about Blanche's shady past. The relationship between Stanley and Stella is largely driven by physical tendencies and Stella's feelings of support. Stella feels safe with Stanley even though he is a large imposing figure. Overall, their relationship is largely physical though, which is why it takes a large hit when Blanche is visiting in their home.
Williams' exposition for "The Poker Night" conveys a guys' night composed of tough yet childish men. Stanley, Steve, Pablo, and Mitch are sitting at a table in the basement playing poker. They are described wearing "colored shirts, solid blues, a purple, a red-and-white check, [and] a light green." All of them are wearing a primary color. Primary colors are sometimes thought of as bold, yet childish. They are strong colors but aren't very complex. These colors refer to how the men act during poker nights. They try and appear like strong, tough guys, but in reality are acting like children, as illustrated by their quick and emotional tempers. The watermelon juxtaposed with the whisky bottles adds to this idea. Watermelon is a whimsical fruit, often times seen eaten by young children. It is very rarely in the hands of an adult in literature or movies. On the other hand, whisky is seen as one of the manliest drinks. Williams' exposition portrays the men as powerful and strong on the outside, but naïve and temperamental on the inside.
Recount your impressions of the relationship that exists between Stella and Blanche at the end of scene four; also discuss how one might characterize the relationship between Stanley and Stella.
Stella and Blanche's relationship becomes a little more hostile and heated at the end of scene four. Prior to this, their relationship had been all support for one another and light conversation topics. At the end of scene four Blanche is telling Stella she would be better off without Stanley, but Stella replies that their "physical relationship makes everything else seem-- unimportant" and criticizes Blanche for having her own guilty pleasures. The two argue for a bit and more is revealed about Blanche's shady past. The relationship between Stanley and Stella is largely driven by physical tendencies and Stella's feelings of support. Stella feels safe with Stanley even though he is a large imposing figure. Overall, their relationship is largely physical though, which is why it takes a large hit when Blanche is visiting in their home.