<P> Later on, Stanley repeats gossip to Stella that he has gathered on Blanche, telling her that Blanche was fired from her teaching job for having sex with a student and that she lived at a hotel known for prostitution (the Flamingo). Stella erupts in anger over Stanley's cruelty after he states that he has also told Mitch about the rumours, but the fight is cut short as she goes into labor and is sent to the hospital . </P> <P> As Blanche waits at home alone, Mitch arrives and confronts Blanche with the stories that Stanley has told him . At first she denies everything, but eventually confesses that the stories are true . She pleads for forgiveness, but an angry and humiliated Mitch refuses her the chance at an honorable relationship and attempts to sexually assault her instead . In response, Blanche screams "fire", and he runs away in fright . </P> <P> Hours before Stella has the baby, Stanley and Blanche are left alone in the apartment . Blanche has descended into a fantasy that an old suitor of hers is coming to provide financial support and take her away from New Orleans . Stanley goes along with the act before angrily scorning Blanche's lies and behavior, and advances toward her; in response, she threatens to glass him, but is overpowered . Stanley rapes Blanche, imminently resulting in her psychotic crisis . </P> <P> Weeks later, at another poker game at the Kowalski apartment, Stella and her neighbor, Eunice, are packing Blanche's belongings . Blanche has suffered a complete mental breakdown and is to be committed to a mental hospital . Although Blanche has told Stella about Stanley's assault, Stella cannot bring herself to believe her sister's story . When a doctor and a matron arrive to take Blanche to the hospital, she initially resists them and collapses on the floor in confusion . Mitch, present at the poker game, breaks down in tears . When the doctor helps Blanche up, she goes willingly with him, saying: "Whoever you are, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers ." The play ends with Stanley continuing to comfort Stella, but also fondling with her blouse, while the poker game continues uninterrupted, as Steve says: "This game is seven - card stud ." </P>

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