Plot Summary

Act I

Scene 1

• Blanche DuBois arrives in New Orleans to stay with her sister Stella and her husband Stanley Kowalski.
• Blanche is shocked by the modesty of Stella's home and the roughness of the neighbourhood.
• Blanche reveals that she has lost the family estate, Belle Reeve, and her teaching position.
• Stanley is immediately suspicious of Blanche and her circumstances.

Scene 2

• Stanley, curious about the loss of Belle Reeve, demands to see the paperwork.
• He suspects Blanche has swindled Stella out of her inheritance.
• Blanche's flirtatious nature and Stanley's aggressive demeanour create tension.

Scene 3

• During a poker night at the Kowalskis' apartment, Stanley's aggressive behaviour is showcased.
• Blanche meets Mitch, one of Stanley's friends, and they are immediately attracted to each other.
• Stanley's drunken outburst leads to physical violence, but Stella and Stanley reconcile passionately afterwards.

Act II

Scene 1

• Blanche begins to date Mitch and envisions a future with him as a means of escape.
• Blanche is haunted by her past, including the suicide of her young husband.
• Stanley continues to dig into Blanche's past, uncovering damaging secrets.

Scene 2

• Tensions rise as Stanley confronts Blanche about her past in Laurel, revealing that she was dismissed from her teaching position due to an affair with a student and had a reputation for promiscuity.
• Mitch becomes distant as he learns the truth from Stanley.

Act III

Scene 1

• Mitch confronts Blanche, demanding the truth about her past.
• Blanche admits to her mistakes but tries to explain her behaviour as a result of her tragic losses.
• Mitch, feeling deceived, rejects Blanche, shattering her hopes for a new life.

Scene 2

• Blanche's mental state deteriorates as she becomes increasingly delusional.
• She dresses in old finery and pretends she is going on a vacation with an old suitor.
• Stanley, celebrating the birth of his child, becomes enraged by Blanche's continued presence.

Scene 3

• The climax of the play occurs as Stanley confronts Blanche in a brutal and violent scene.
• Stanley rapes Blanche, completely breaking her spirit.
• The assault is not directly shown but is powerfully implied through the dialogue and stage directions.

Act IV

Scene 1

• Blanche's mental state continues to unravel after the assault.
• Stella struggles with the decision to believe Blanche or remain loyal to Stanley.
• Stella ultimately chooses to stay with Stanley, unable to face the reality of his brutality.

Scene 2

• Blanche is taken to a mental institution after Stanley arranges for her commitment.
• Blanche, delusional and broken, believes she is going on a vacation with a wealthy suitor.
• In a heartbreaking final moment, Blanche says, "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers," as she is led away by the doctor.