"A Streetcar Named Desire" - Blanche Vs. Stanley

Paper Summary:

This paper provides a character-focused, critical analysis of "A Streetcar Named Desire," a 1947 play by American playwright Tennessee Williams. The paper follows the plot as the main character, Blanche Dubois, descends into madness while she struggles under the poisonous manipulations of her brother-in law, Stanley Kowalski. The paper discusses Williams' use of contrasting elements, such as his setting selection of New Orleans, a city of powerful contrast, with modern life infused with poverty and a gritty realism contrasting with the refinement and dignity of the old world. The paper concludes that the characters of Blanche and Stanley have only one commonality - their desire to win over Stella, thus depriving the other of her presence.

From the Paper:

"In many ways, Stanley and Blanche do indeed appear to be competing for Stella. Both seem to need her focus solely on themselves. It is unclear, however, whether this is because they truly love Stella or whether they just wish to deprive the other of her. The incident regarding the loss of Belle Reve indicates this, and Stanley's insistence on adherence to the "Napoleonic Code" highlights that he feels what is Stella's is his; that they share a stronger connection than the sister's do. Instead of an inheritance shared between Blanche and Stella, it would be the property of Stella and Stanley; in essence, he is trying to distance Blanche from her sister."

More papers on "A Streetcar Named Desire" - Blanche Vs. Stanley:

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• Analytical Essay # 24604 : "A Streetcar Named Desire"

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