How does Blanche control the agenda and conversation in this dialogue? (Scene 6 pg 68-72, A Streetcar Named Desire)

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How does Blanche control the agenda and conversation in this dialogue? (Scene 6 pg 68-72) Blanche very much so leads the conversation between her and Mitch. She speaks in an imperative tone towards him, stating that she ‘wants you to have a drink!’. This portrays how she is in control and can divert the issue of whether she ‘wants a drink?’, by playing the role of the hostess. She insists they have a drink because despite Blanche wanting one, she will not have a drink unless Mitch does so too, and so she manages to hide her weakness and need to drink by demanding that Mitch joins her.   Blanche guides the conversation by asking questions because she knows that Mitch is inclined to answer. She asks ‘Why should you be so doubtful?’ in the hope that Mitch will answer in a way that she desires to make her feel wanted. Blanche is careful to guide the conversation around the agenda she wishes to speak about, for example when she speaks of ‘the kiss I objected to’, it makes her feel dominant in comparison to Mitch, and desired. Mitch cannot deviate from the conversation
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because Blanche always asks a question to bring the focus back to her chosen agenda. This is shown when Mitch attempts to deviate and asks ‘how old are you?’, whereby Blanche replies by questioning ‘Why do you want to know?’.   Blanche speaks in an instructive manner and an authoritative tone towards Mitch, such as when she demands that he ‘Sit down!’. This conjures up imagery of Mitch being likened to Blanche’s dog, whereby she leads him and treats him as if he needs instructions. When Blanche asks Mitch to ‘see if you can locate my key in this purse’, it ...

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