The Last Card (Blanche’s Monologue)

This scene takes place after Blanche has been raped. She is alone in the washroom, reflecting on what has happened.

There is something bittersweet about failure. Why, it becomes so tangible when you thought that if you threw the last of your cards on the table, you had a chance of winning the game. But no. Oh no, nothing can stop a beast from claiming what he wants. What he wants. Because is he not the king of the jungle? He, who growls and charges. He, who will spit and speak crudely. He, who’s only task in life in one of climbing to the top in his little pyramid of his life. Ha-ha! Stanley Kowalski, the king of the jungle. Stanley Kowalski…

(Hand shakes as she brings it up to her forehead and closes her eyes. With one hand, she reaches out blindly for the perfume bottle. She cuts her finger on the edge of the broken top bottle from her struggle with Stanley.)

Ouch! Oh, that darn bottle, it helped me with all other men who were in my life, but was defeated by the only one whom I thought I might have been safe from.

(Stares at the blood.)

Would you look at that…looks like the Polack could take everything else but ever he couldn’t change the lie of my blood. (Laughs.) So you can be defeated can’t you Stanley? Who knew it was something so…essential that would defeat you? Why…it’s just the same color as Allan’s…how strange. How can my blood be the same as that of Allan’s? He was so…different. Not meant for this earth, not meant for this life. But who was the one who created his death sentence? Me! (Laughs) Me! His supposed lover! His wife! But no…I loved him and he betrayed me. (Pause.) No, no, no! All my fault. It was me stepping away from something dirty that caused him to pull the trigger. When in actuality…when in actuality I was far dirtier then he could ever be. Why do I lie and lie and lie? When everyone can see through the paper lantern, and when I tell the truth! When I tell the truth…there ain’t a soil around to listen to my words.

Who am I hiding from now?

(Smears finger across her white dress. Her hand trembles as she forces herself to stare at it.)

(Whispers) Dirty Blanche…never pure to begin with! So what’s the point of giving off the illusion? Will my blood across this pretty white dress show the world who I am?

(Music grows louder. Blanche throws her hands over her ears and sinks to the ground.) Stop, stop, please! I admit to the truth, I am guilty in front of a nameless judge, give me some other sentence but take away this insufferable music!

(Music swells. Blanche curls up.)

There is no worse prison then the one of one’s own mind…

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3 thoughts on “The Last Card (Blanche’s Monologue)

  1. Dear Sara,

    I can’t express how much I loved the monologue you wrote. It was eloquently and detailed, and I found myself thinking that what you had written flowed beautifully, and actually belonged in the book.

    I also loved how you incorporated the “matter” we discussed in class and how you mindfully and thoughtfully included (and continued) the aspects of symbolism, such as cards, music, and the animalistic tendencies of Stanley Kowalski throughout the piece.

    The ways in which you effortlessly intertwined these elements was absolutely incredible, and you writing as a whole truly had the tone and mood that Tennessee Williams had created for Streetcar.

    I’d truly like to congratulate you on this piece, it was so amazing! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

    Sincerely,
    Tay

  2. Sara,

    This monologue you wrote gave me goosebumps.

    I’m actually very astonished on how you managed to tie so many things and concepts we’ve discussed in class over a period of weeks into this. Hats off to you. Reading this, you’ve blown my world to bits. The depth you’ve explored Blanche’s character is amazing, and fits perfectly. In my own opinion I was thinking a reflection of the rape scene was what was missing in the play.

    I can’t really express how really loved the new side of Blanche’s character you’re unveiled to us. Usually she’s a stuck-up elitist, and a self-destroyer, but really in my opinion that internal conflict was something Williams had not done a very good job of. I’m glad you wrote this because it makes the play now seem so much more “human” if that makes any sense.

    Just one thing to improve one perhaps, really everyone gets falls for this. On your last line “There is no worth prison then the one of one’s own mind…” do you mean “worse”?

    Fantastic piece Sara. I think everyone should read this.

    Sincerely,
    Nilave

  3. Dear Sara,
    I am speechless! This monologue incorporated every aspect Blanche while also expressing the tiny little hints of your own voice. The symbol of blood in this piece is very impactful, for it calls on the usage of the reoccurring primary colours and the very thing that ties the sisters together.

    I also loved the way you concluded the piece using the polka music and Blanche shrivelling at the sound of it, this was very authentic and relevant to the monologue. It was a very intelligent decision to accompany the strong voice of Blanche with actions that are true to her mannerisms, though you always seem to know exactly how to tie all the ends together in of your work!

    The only advice I would offer is to maybe focus a little more on how shaken and scared of Stanley she became, though it might have been only my interpretation that she became afraid of him.

    This piece was amazingly structured and your usage of her voice was executed wonderfully – a truly wonderful piece! I would have never guessed that quiet little Sara could summon the voice of the seductive Blanche Dubois. Oolala!

    Love Em

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