[She turns the knobs on the radio and it begins to play "Wien, Wien, nur du allein." Blanche waltzes to the music with romantic gestures. Mitch is delighted and moves in awkward imitation like a dancing bear.]
– Tennessee Williams
A Streetcar Named Desire, Scene 3. These stage directions highlight the contrast between the cultured Blanche with her graceful waltz moves and Mitch’s clumsy working class effort. As they dance to the radio music, it is a sweet and intimate moment between the two. But an animal simile comparing Mitch to a bear emphasizes their unequal relationship and difference in social class.