Two sisters, distanced by the change stemming from years of separation, find their lives crashing into each other. They have lived very different lives since they last parting and their views and outlook have changed parallel to their experience. In the middle of the normal daily happenings of Stella, Blanche lands on the scene. As we can visualize from Stella's surprised "Blanche" upon the sight of her sister in the apartment, Blanche's arrival is quite unexpected (2304). As with any two sisters after time apart, it can be presumed that the way they converse in this first conversation will provides a window into their relationship. When we look at the outside surface of this window, we see a simple dialogue, but only when we get close enough to look through, can we find its true meaning. Blanche acts in a deceitful and manipulative manner towards Stella, rooted in the past and their inability to understand each other.
             At first glance Blanche's modest pretense may seem genuine, but after further study it becomes apparent that she is only feigning modesty to manipulate Stella's perception and win her sympathy and compassion. One illustration of Blanche's masquerade, first appearing in this dialogue but emerging again later in the story, is her modesty and self-consciousness towards her physical appearance. Blanche is so dependent on this ploy that she mentions it first after Stella's walks in the room. "Stella, oh, Stella, Stella! Stella for a star! [She begins to speak with feverish vivacity as if she feared for either of them to stop and think...] Now, then, let me look at you. But don't you look at me, Stella, no, no, no, not till later, not till I've bathed and rested! And turn that over-light off! Turn that off! I won't be looked at in this merciless glare!..." (2304). She depends on admiration for her sense of self-esteem and to satisfy her longing for the attraction and att...