Character of Stanley Flashcards
‘roughly dressed in blue denim work clothes.’
Contrast
Costume
Theme - Civilisation vs savagery
In contrast to Blanche’s description, Williams creates a colourful image of Stanley which conveys his arrogance. Blanche’s costume suggests purity whilst Stanley suggests his unrefined nature. This therefore emphatically foreshadows their conflict.
Throwing a package at Stella: ‘Meat!’
Theme - Civilisation vs Savagery
Characterisation
A raw and savage picture of Stanley is created here. He is showing off about the meat he’s brought home. It underlines his violent ferocity in the way he behaves. The themes of masculinity and dependence on me are developed here as it was typically the man’s role to bring the meat home for their family.
‘Animal joy in his being…the power and pride of a feathered male bird among the hens’
Theme - Civilisation vs Savagery, desire
This quote encapsulates Stanley’s brutal desire. He seeks pleasure from women and immediately evaluates them upon meeting them. He treats women how he wants and this further adds to his animalistic description. This foreshadows his violence towards women further on in the play. He is a stereotypical masculine figure with misogynistic views.
‘I don’t want no ifs, ands, or buts’
Characterisation
Theme - Masculinity
Stanley realises that Blanche has lost the property that he directly would inherit due to the Napoleonic code. This highlights his aggression towards women and his masculinity. He feels that he has the right to Belle Reve since he owns whatever Stella owns. Williams develops a selfish and greedy character.
‘Another train passes outside. Stanley hesitates, licking his lips.’
‘He grins through the curtain at Blanche’
Theme - Civilisation vs Savagery
Dramatic Irony
Tension builds as Stanley overhears Blanche’s harsh criticisms. The dramatic irony is effective here as this is the first time Blanche has openly expressed her dislike of Stanley. This has given him a solid reason to get rid of her and the audience fear for Blanche’s fate.
‘Stanley charges after Stella’
Stage Directions
Theme - Violence
Stanley’s abuse of Stella is revealed in this scene. An image is created of a charging bull which once again references his animalistic tendencies.
‘We’ve had this date with each other from the beginning!’
Climax
Characterisation
Theme - Violence
It is implied that Stanley has taken Blanche’s flirtations at the beginning to mean that she is asking to be seduced. He scoffs at her resistance to his sexual advances which conveys the theme of masculinity as he believes he can do whatever he likes with women and face no consequences. The dynamic between the two at the start comes to a head in this scene because the sexual tension is finally addressed.
‘Now honey. Now, love. Now, now love [He kneels beside her and his fingers find the opening of her blouse.’
Characterisation
Key Scene
Stage Directions
His behaviour demonstrates that he is not even phased by raping Blanche and sending her away. Life has returned to normal in his eyes and sex is the first thing on his mind.
