Alex+S

Reference || Meaning/Explanation ||
 * Page || Word/Term/Phrase/
 *  **63** || powder-keg || A metaphorical term that is often used to refer to countries, geographical regions, or situations that are prone to outbursts of conflict or war. The analogy is drawn from a perception that certain territories or circumstances may seem peaceful until a minor event triggers a large outburst of violence. ||
 * **65** || Chinese philosophy || Although Chinese philosophy encompasses a wide range of religions and beliefs, in this context Blanche seems to indicate that Stella's passivity follows the //taoist// principles of non-action, detachment, peace, and flexibility. ||
 * **66** || wore his pin || To "get pinned" is a U.S. college tradition that occurs when a man (usually a member of a fraternity or similar group) gives his girlfriend a pin as a symbol of their relationship or commitment to one another. In some cases, this pinning is tantamount to a promise, or pre-engagement, meaning that the couple is committed to getting married someday. ||
 * **66** || Biscayne Boulevard || The name given to the stretch of U.S. Route 1 in Miami, Florida. The Boulevard is home to the majority of consulate-generals based in Miami. ||
 * **66** || Cadillac || Cadillac is a luxury vehicle marque owned by General Motors Company, primarily sold in North America. In the early 1900s the Cadillac established itself as America's premier luxury car. ||
 * **67** || oil-wells || An oil well is a general term for any boring through the earth's surface that is designed to produce petroleum oil hydrocarbons. In __A Streetcar Named Desire__, Blanche uses this term to denote wealth. ||
 * **67** || Western Union || The Western Union Company is a corporation in the United States that offers financial and communications-related services. It was originally the most well known U.S. company in the business of exchanging telegrams, but it later discontinued this service. ||
 * **69** || bromo || Short for "bromo-seltzer", bromo was an antacid that was used to relieve pain and discomfort from heartburn, upset stomach, or acid indigestion. The sedative effect of bromo made it a popular hangover remedy before it was removed from the market due to toxicity. ||
 * **71** || seersucker || Seersucker is a thin, cotton fabric, usually in a striped or checkered pattern, used to make light clothing for spring or summer wear. The English term originated from Hindi, which in turn is derived from the Persian "shir o shekar", meaning "milk and sugar". This reference perhaps indicates the resemblance between the pattern of smooth and rough stripes and the textures of milk and sugar. The fabric was originally worn by the poor in the U.S. ||