A Streetcar Named Desire (Marxist Lens) - Stanley

Question 1

Marxist Paragraph Stanley - WHAT statement

Answer 1

While Williams presents the fall of the ruling class through Blanche, his characterisation of Stanley epitomises the rise of the working class.

Question 2

Marxist Paragraph Stanley - Evidence 1 (x2 sentences)

Answer 2

The urge for Stanley to revolt against the upper class and effectively destroy Blanche is seen through the dichotomisation of their views and values.

Through the stage directions in the beginning of scene 8, Stanley, who Blanche sees as ‘vulgar’ and ‘common,’ ‘pays no attention to [Blanche’s] story,’ instead separating himself from her as he doesn’t ‘know any refined enough for [her] taste.’

Question 3

Marxist Paragraph Stanley - Analysis 1 (x3 sentences)

Answer 3

In this instance, Stanley simply refuses to comply with the intention of upsetting Blanche and mocks her upper-class background, further reflecting the class conflict between the two classes which they represent.

The adjectives ‘vulgar’ and ‘disgusting,’ with their connotations of inferiority and bestiality, creates a stark dichotomy against Blanches refined personality as a southern belle.

To reinforce this view, Stanley ‘pays no attention’ to the aristocratic ideals of the Old South, which reflects his contempt for Blanche and thus the animosity between them, despite being lower than her in social status.

Question 4

Marxist Paragraph Stanley - Evidence 2

Answer 4

Additionally, Stanley attempts to assert his dominance over the upper class, declaring that he ’is the king’ and gives her a one way ‘Ticket!’ ‘to Laurel’ in the hope to ‘clear’ Blanche’s place, so that she remains forgotten and castigated in society.

Question 5

Marxist Paragraph Stanley - Analysis 2 (x2 sentences)

Answer 5

Here, the ‘Ticket!’ is not only symbolic of the conflict existing between Blanche and Stanley, but also Stanley’s cruel desire to subjugate her to a world of destitution and loneliness, where she has no choice but to face the emptiness and pain associated with reality.

As Blanche is pushed further and further towards her demise, Stanley establishes a victory in ‘clearing’ and erasing the last trace of the agrarian South from society.