Stanley Flashcards
Stanley’s casual sexual control even in the presence of others Scene 3
[Stanley gives a loud whack of his hand on her thigh]
Scene one, a symbol representative of Stanley’s violent and aggressive nature
‘Red stained package’
Stanley has blood on his hands, foreshadowing his aggression. Motif of colour.
‘Meat…[heaves the package at her’ monosyllabic language conveys his primitive nature
Stella’s anticipation of tension between her socially privileged sister and her more ‘rough and ready’ husband
‘Will Stanley like me?’-Blanche
‘Just fine’ -Stella
Scene 1, enhances dramatic effect through introduction of a non-naturalistic element
‘You were married once weren’t you?… [music of the polka rises up]
Scene 2- stage direction creating an ominous tone and reinforces the fact that Stanley has an animalistic side, like a predator on his pray.
Scene 2-[he stalks into the bedroom]
Scene 3-‘Stalks fiercely… you animal thing you’
Poker
A symbol/ epitomy of hegemonic masculinity, reflects the reckless unpredictability of Stanley’s character
Builds up the tension as his eerily false happy response opposes his typical violent reaction- his anger is contained and built up throughout the play after hearing Blanche condemning him to Stella
‘He grins through the curtain at Blanche’ Scene 4
Scene 4 serves a dramatic function
Blanche’s birthday dinner, Stanley’s arguably misogynistic language
‘Don’t ever talk that way to me! Pig, Polack, disgusting, vulgar, greasy… Every Man is a King and I am the King around here’ Scene 8
-feminist response to this would be unsympathetic to Stanley emphasising the Brutish violence that underpins his behaviour and calling into question the patriarchal values on which his attitudes are based.
-Conversely Marxist critics might feel sympathy for Stanley as Blanche relies on him financially and yet reprimands him so.
What does Stanley epitomise
Hegemonic masculinity and is the ultimate male chauvinist
‘Every man is a king’ Huey Long reference
A corrupt American politician who was popular because he reduced unemployment and improved social services
Rape of Blanche implied
‘Oh you want so,w rough house! All right, let’s have some rough house!’ Scene 10 the fact the rape is implicit suggests it was so savage it would be offensive to the viewer. The rape of Blanche by Stanley is not only the manifestation of Stanley’s animalistic desires but also symbolises Stanley asserting his authority over Blanche
One might interpret his rape of Blanche as something Stanley derives pleasure from
Sadomasochism, Stanley is a Sadomasochist as he derives sexual gratification from inflicting pain on others
