"Well he's not going to marry her. Maybe he was, but he's not going to jump in a tank with a school of sharks—now!" (Williams 126).
Mitch is an honorable man. He is different than the other men seen in the play. He asks Blanche's permission before he kisses her good night, he compliments her, and he speaks with his mom about her. He is trustworthy. However, upon hearing the stories that Stanley has heard about Blanche, he stands her up. This is uncommon for the reputation he has upheld so far. Upon hearing the stories about Blanche, Mitch should have addressed them with Blanche directly, rather than assuming they are true. Stella does not believe the stories, but Stanley is convinced that Blanche has slept around. Stanley speaks about the other men Blanche has slept with as "school of sharks" because there are so many (126). It would be dangerous for Mitch to expect someone with the reputation of Blanche to be loyal to him. Mitch does not want to marry Blanche anymore because she has a bad reputation.
Katie-You seem to start out suggesting that Mitch should have done more than he did to seek out Blanche and talk to her directly about Stanley's rumors. And then you finish, it seems, defending the behavior you criticize. And I think that you're probably right on both counts!
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