Stanley

Question 1

Some critics think that Stanley lacks…

Answer 1

… depth and complexity as a character. it may be possible to argue that Williams does so to elevate Blanche’s impact as a character, with her detailed stage directions and monologues. In this way, Williams intentionally shifts audience’s sympathies: sympathy mixed with attraction to Stanley cast as Marlon Brando at first, then soon after sympathy and pity for the misunderstood romantic Blanche.

Question 2

Initial physical description of Stanley

Answer 2

‘of medium height… strongly, compactly built’. Williams only comments briefly on Stanley’s physical appearance in the script - perhaps because it doesn’t really matter exactly what Stanley is wearing or looks like as long as he’s attractive (hence Marlon Brando). Williams, instead, places a greater focus on the impact Stanley has on those around him.

Question 3

The final view of Stanley

Answer 3

• the play’s construction, with the rape as the climax of the penultimate scene, influences our final perception of Stanley
• in spite of his blustering bravado and physical appeal, he appears diminished in the final scene.
• We leave Stanley as he tries to re-establish his domination over his wife in the only way he knows: by making love to her.

Question 4

Stanley’s attitude to luck

Answer 4

“You know what luck is? Luck is believing you’re lucky… To hold front position in this rat-race you’ve got to believe you are lucky.”

• extreme self confidence or an attitude towards fate?
• rationally, no one is lucky or unlucky, but Stanley’s belief in his own luck gives him an advantage over others
• his career has not been particularly successful, yet he continues to see himself as a front-runner in the ‘rat-race’ that is life.