"The Broken Tower" by Hart Crane

A poem analysis and its connection to the play

And so it was I entered the broken world

To trace the visionary company of love, its voice

An instant in the wind (I know not whither hurled)

But not for long to hold each desperate choice.

This excerpt from the poem "The Broken Tower" is featured at the very beginning of the script of the play, before the characters or scene directions. Upon reading the poem and analyzing this excerpt, one realizes this excerpt forshadows the events of Blanche's development throughout the play. This page will review this poem and provide analysis on how it's connected to the play, line by line.

"And so it was I entered the broken world"

This represents Blanche's perspective upon entering New Orleans for the first time. Blanche is from Mississippi, presumably from a wealthy family, living on a luxurious plantation. This is in sharp contrast to the dirtier, more laid-back spirit of New Orleans. This world to Blanche, is extremely broken and different. You can tell by the difference in her reaction to the breakouts in scenes 3 and 5 between Stella and Stanley and Eunice and Steve. She takes the situation more seriously than the others do, and is very concerned for Stella's wellbeing despite how everyone seems to go about their day as if nothing happened the day after.

"To trace the visionary company of love"

Blanche, upon meeting Mitch, thinks he is God-sent to save her. At the end of Scene 6, when Mitch asks if they could be a couple, Blanche proceeds to break down and say "Sometimes--there's God--so quickly!" She believes Mitch is different from the Stanley and his other friends, that Mitch is more sensitive and caring and is willing to understand her, and she can finally escape her past and find love in being with Mitch. She wants his company.

"It's voice / An instant in the wind (I know not whither hurled)"

Blanche's love with Mitch is very short-lived, as by Scene 9, Stanley has told Mitch about Blanche's past activities and he decides he no longer wants to marry her. This further expedites Blanche's mental spiral.

"But not for long to hold each desperate choice."

Despite each choice Blanche makes to leave her past behind, it is all short-lived as she is sent away to a mental institution.