Stanley Flashcards
What does Stanley Kowalski represent in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’?
New America born after World War II
Represents the American Dream of freedom and opportunity for all
What was Stanley’s role in the military?
Master Sergeant in the Engineers’ Corps
He fought in the Second World War
How is Stanley characterized in the play?
Dominating male who loves gambling, drinking, and sex
Also harbors hatred towards Blanche
What is Stanley’s relationship with his wife, Stella?
He loves her but is aware of her aristocratic descent
Stella accepts his dominance in their marriage
How does Stanley view Blanche?
As the epitome of everything he isn’t
His dislike for her grows as she enters their household
What type of masculinity does Stanley exhibit?
Misogynistic and hypermasculine
Believes in male superiority
What is Stanley’s background?
Working-class man of immigrant descent
Probably a second or third-generation immigrant
How does Stanley assert his identity?
Proudly states he is ‘American’
Born and raised in America
What type of violence does Stanley exhibit?
Uses brute force to convey emotions
Objectifies women and treats them violently
How does Stanley’s education compare to Stella and Blanche?
He is less educated
Stella and Blanche are well-read
Fill in the blank: Stanley is often offended when Blanche calls him a _______.
Polack
True or False: Stanley is depicted as a gentle and caring husband.
False
He is characterized by violence and dominance
What does Stanley’s ownership of his apartment signify?
His assertion of control and pride in providing for his family
He strongly believes everything he owns is his
Who is Stanley Kowalski?
A character in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ representing masculinity and animal sexuality.
Stanley is depicted as the alpha male, embodying brute strength and primal instincts.
What does Stanley’s physical depiction in the first scene emphasize?
His animal sexuality and masculinity.
The stage directions highlight his role as the ‘gaudy seed bearer’.
How does Stanley demonstrate disrespect and misogyny?
By shouting at Stella and Blanche during the poker game.
A key quote is: ‘You hens cut out that conversation in there!’
What character trait is Stanley known for that reflects his honesty?
Brutal honesty.
His life is open, expressing his feelings through words and actions.
What does Stanley’s faulty speech indicate?
His lack of schooling.
Despite this, he demonstrates cunning by recognizing Blanche’s behavior as a threat.
How does Stanley’s role evolve throughout the play?
From a hero to a villain.
Initially, he is portrayed as loving and loyal, but his primitive nature leads to brutality.
What parallels does Williams draw between Stanley and primitive man?
Stanley’s behavior is likened to that of a primitive man through dialogue and actions.
Phrases like ‘Animal joy in his being is implicit’ reinforce this idea.
What auditory elements are used to enhance Stanley’s characterization?
Jungle sounds play when he stresses Blanche out.
This reinforces the audience’s perception of his animalistic nature.
What imagery is used to describe Stanley’s animalistic behavior?
He is compared to a baying hound and described as throwing back his head and bellowing.
This occurs after he physically abuses Stella in scene 3.
Fill in the blank: Stanley is characterized as both straightforward and _______.
cunning.
True or False: Stanley is portrayed as a loving husband throughout the entire play.
False.
His love transforms into brutality as the play progresses.
Who is Stella in relation to Stanley?
Stella is the subservient wife of Stanley.
What class difference exists between Stella and Stanley?
Stella married Stanley despite him being from a lower class than her.
What drives the relationship between Stella and Stanley?
The relationship is driven by sex.
How does Williams portray Stanley’s control over Stella?
Through stage directions that highlight his use of sex as a means of control.
Give an example of Stanley’s physical aggression towards Stella.
“Stanley gives a loud whack of his hand on her thigh.”
What does Stella say about her feelings towards Stanley’s violent actions?
She is “thrilled” by his violent actions.
How does Stella react to Stanley’s apologies after his violent behavior?
She forgives him as he is passionate in his apologies.
What does Stella’s reaction to violence indicate about her perception of abuse?
It indicates a denial of abuse and acceptance of his generally violent behavior.
What significant event ties Stella to Stanley towards the end of the play?
Stella gives birth to Stanley’s child.
How is Stella characterized in comparison to Blanche?
Stella is more realistic than Blanche in her outlook on life.
What does Stella choose to believe regarding Blanche’s claims at the end of the play?
She chooses to believe that the rape is a figment of Blanche’s imagination.
True or False: Stella remains with Stanley despite the violence she endures.
True.
What is the relationship between Mitch and Stanley?
They are friends who often meet and play poker together.
How does Mitch’s character contrast with Stanley’s?
Mitch reflects the beta male to Stanley’s alpha male.
What trait is Stanley regarded for?
Loyalty to his friends.
What action does Stanley take when he uncovers Blanche’s past?
He warns Mitch about it.
What effect does Stanley’s warning have on Blanche and Mitch’s relationship?
It stops their budding relationship.
What are the two possible motivations for Stanley warning Mitch?
- Concern for his friend
- Selfish plan to get rid of Blanche
What happens to Mitch and Stanley’s relationship by the end of the play?
It is severed, and Mitch blames Stanley for everything.
How does Mitch react to the situation at the end of the play?
He breaks down and lashes out at Stanley.
What term does Stanley use to describe Mitch when he lashes out?
“Cry-baby”.
What does Blanche represent to Stanley?
A class and society he cannot fully comprehend and does not belong to.
What does Stanley resent about Blanche?
- Living in his house
- Drinking his liquor
- Eating his food
- Fraternizing with his friend
- Influencing his wife
- Belittling him
How is Stanley’s act of raping Blanche interpreted?
As his brutal way of overpowering her and making her his.
