A Streetcar Named Desire SCENE 2, Themes Flashcards
Masculine males vs. delicate, dependent females
There are several conflicts within this scene, one of them being masculine males vs. delicate, dependent females. Stanley is seen as the stereotypical male; he is the dominant character and employs imperatives when speaking to both Stella and Blanche. He is blunt and curt towards Blanche, using monosyllabic words: “don’t play so dumb,” as if he is unable to tolerate her. Stanley is also seen as primitive, through the stage directions used to show his ransacking of Blanche’s belongings.
Furthermore, Stanley seems to treat even his wife with disdain. His response, “Well, isn’t that just dandy!” seems filled with sarcasm and he is unappreciative of Stella. Additionally, he possessively calls her “baby”, possibly interpreted as an endearing term this is really a diminutive name for women, infantilising them and ensuring they are seen as feeble and powerless. In addition to this, when Stella “jumps up and kisses him” “he accepts with lordly composure” , adding to the portrayal of the masculine man and the dependent woman, in need of help.
Conflict between sisters
Once again, underlying tensions can be seen between Stella and Blanche; it seems as if Blanche is almost proud when she confesses that, “Yes-I was flirting with your husband, Stella!” The reason for her pride could be interpreted as representing her desire to tease men, something Blanche perceives as crucial in order to remain youthful. Furthermore, by flirting with Stanley, Blanche is competing directly with her more youthful sister; by being able to compete with her, Blanche is allowed to remain young and beautiful. Hence, this once again shows Blanche’s refusal to accept reality.
Declining upper class vs. burgeoning working class
“The Kowalskis and the Dubois have different notions” summarises the difference between the lower class, emphasised by the immigrant surname of ‘Kowalski’ in contrast to the French name ‘Dubois’ which has connotations of power, wealth and aristocracy. However, the declining upper class is emphasized by the loss of Belle Reve. Furthermore, the idea that Stella has adopted Stanley’s last name emphasises how the power of the upper class (signified by the last name Dubois) has begun to deteriorate, as Blanche is the remaining member of the Dubois family. In a sense both characters seem to be fighting for control over Stella and the fact that, in the end Stanley wins, reveals how eventually he and the vigorous working classes he represents are the new source of power in America.
Pleasant dreams vs. ugly reality
Through the need for constant re-affirmation of her beauty, we feel sympathy for Blanche, as she desperately tries to hold on to something which is slipping through her fingers. Additionally, her hoarding of papers, especially the poems from her husband, show that she is unable to let go of the past
Blanche’s haughty disdain of life in Elysian Fields may alienate some members of the audience. However, her simple, childlike glee while bathing and the fact that all she wants is a pleasant illusion suggests that Williams intends us to sympathise with her more than judge her.
In this way Blanche is the binary opposite of Stanley who is practical and brutishly revels in the simple, vibrant life that we see surround him in New Orleans. This conflict is very important as it is this which creates the most tension and drives the action of the play.
