Explain how Williams creates our awareness of Blanche's increasing anxiety in scene 5.

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Explain how Williams creates our awareness of Blanche's increasing anxiety in scene 5

The audience is aware of the tension building between the characters from the onset of Scene 5 through the loud argument between Steve and Eunice. Williams continues to build up the tension throughout the scene using several techniques, emphasising in particular Blanche's mood. Blanche who suddenly bursts into a peal of laughter makes the first sound; not only does laughter represent nervousness but also the spontaneity of the laughter begins to suggest how unstable Blanche has become already during her stay.

Williams gives clear directions as to the noises and actions Blanche should be making throughout the scene; this makes the audience aware that this scene relies on the way in which characters say things rather then what they are saying, especially when Blanche and Stanley are interacting. The main indicator of Blanche's increasing anxiety is her continual laughter, Williams gives several different directions as to how she should laugh. (For example, shrilly, sharply, breathlessly, nervously.)

The audience is aware that Blanche is on edge throughout the scene, this is emphasised by her visible wincing at each noise that Stanley creates.