Here's what it symbolizes within the play:
* Lost Southern Heritage: Belle Reve represents the fading grandeur of the Old South, a world of gentility, wealth, and social standing that Blanche desperately clings to. It's a reminder of a past she feels unable to recapture.
* Family Legacy: Belle Reve symbolizes the family history and traditions that Blanche feels burdened by, particularly the expectation of upholding a certain image and social standing.
* Loss and Decline: The fact that Belle Reve has been sold due to debt signifies Blanche's family's decline and the loss of their social standing. It reflects a sense of decay and ruin that parallels Blanche's own mental deterioration.
* Unfulfilled Dreams: Blanche yearns to return to Belle Reve, longing for a life of romanticism and elegance. However, the plantation symbolizes a life she can never reclaim, further fueling her disillusionment and despair.
The name "Belle Reve" itself translates to "beautiful dream" in French, adding a layer of irony to its meaning. It's a dream that has become a lost and unattainable memory, further highlighting Blanche's fragile grasp on reality.