Stella Flashcards
Who is Stella Kowalski?
Younger sister of Blanche Dubois and wife of Stanley Kowalski
Stella represents a character caught between her family and her relationship.
What life choice did Stella make regarding her family?
She left Laurel and the family plantation for a new life in New Orleans with Stanley
This decision left Blanche to deal with the deteriorating Belle Reve.
How does Stella’s relationship with Stanley Kowalski manifest?
Strong sexual relationship despite occasions of physical and verbal abuse
This reflects a complex dynamic often seen in abusive relationships.
What are the key characteristics of Stella Kowalski?
Aristocratic, gentle, impressionable, passive homemaker
Each characteristic reveals different aspects of her personality and societal role.
How is Stella’s aristocratic descent depicted?
Apparent in her disposition and manners, especially compared to her neighbors
This descent becomes a point of tension with Stanley.
How does Stella respond to the behaviors of Blanche and Stanley?
Empathetic and forgiving, easily manipulated by both
Her tolerance reflects the helplessness present in the play.
What does Stella’s passivity signify in a feminist context?
Reflects the subjugated and dependent woman of the 1940s
Her return to Stanley despite his abuse highlights societal issues regarding women’s roles.
What does Stella mean when she says, ‘I couldn’t believe her story and go on living with Stanley’?
Indicates her choice to reject Blanche’s accusations to maintain her relationship with Stanley
This highlights her internal conflict and the complexity of her situation.
What does Stella believe about the possibility of the rape?
Stella believes that there is a possibility that the rape happened, and she knows Stanley better than others.
How does Stella respond when Eunice chooses to drink instead of calling the police?
Stella responds, ‘That’s much more practical.’
What societal issue does the text highlight regarding women in the 1940s?
Women were dependent on men and forced to tolerate abuse.
What does Stella’s disbelief in Stanley’s rape of Blanche signify?
It is an act of ‘practicality’ as she knows she and her baby cannot live without him if she believes Blanche.
Fill in the blank: In the 1940s, women were often forced to tolerate _______.
[abuse]
True or False: Stella’s actions are influenced by her dependence on Stanley.
True
What is Stella’s relationship with Stanley?
Stella is the subservient wife of Stanley, driven by a strong sexual relationship.
How does Stanley manipulate Stella?
Stanley frequently uses sex to manipulate Stella.
What is Stella’s reaction to Stanley’s abuse?
Stella forgives Stanley’s abuse and feels ‘thrilled’ by his violent actions.
What does Stella’s comment about violence suggest?
It suggests Stella’s denial of abuse and acceptance of Stanley’s violent behavior.
What significant event ties Stella to Stanley at the end of the play?
Stella gives birth to Stanley’s child.
How does Stella’s outlook on life compare to Blanche’s?
Stella is characterized as more realistic than Blanche but this is contested at the end.
What does Stella choose to believe about Blanche’s claims?
Stella chooses to believe that the rape is a figment of Blanche’s imagination.
What does Eunice say about Stella and Stanley’s marriage?
‘It’s sort of messed up right now but when it’s clean it’s really sweet.’
How does Stanley display his love for Stella?
Stanley loves and is possessive about Stella despite his brutish behavior.
What is Stella’s role in defending Blanche?
Stella defends Blanche against Stanley’s verbal assaults.
What is Stella’s hamartia?
Stella’s hamartia is Stanley.
How does Stella’s character differ from Blanche’s?
Stella is honest, down to earth, and has a passion for sex, unlike Blanche.
What tragic choice does Stella make at the end of the play?
Stella chooses Stanley over Blanche.
Fill in the blank: Stella is very ________ when it comes to Blanche.
[impressionable]
True or False: Stella is a protagonist in the play.
False
What has Blanche experienced that affects her relationship with Stella?
Blanche has suffered loss after loss, making Stella all she has left.
How does Stella feel towards Blanche?
Stella loves Blanche dearly and is very empathetic towards her plight.
What is Stella’s relationship with Blanche?
Stella is very impressionable when it comes to Blanche, she trusts her and looks out for her.
How does Stella defend Blanche?
Stella defends Blanche constantly to Stanley’s verbal assaults.
What choice does Stella make at the end regarding Blanche and Stanley?
Stella chooses Stanley over Blanche in an attempt to be practical.
What does Blanche say about Stella’s importance?
Blanche says Stella is all she has left in the world, having suffered loss after loss.
Who is Eunice in relation to Stella?
Eunice is Stella’s upstairs neighbour and friend.
What role does Eunice play in Stella’s life?
Eunice is Kowalski’s landlady and embodies the working-class life Stella has chosen.
What does Eunice say about continuing life despite difficulties?
Eunice states, ‘Life has got to go on. No matter what happens, you’ve got to keep on going.’
How does Eunice respond to Stanley’s abuse towards Stella?
Eunice shelters Stella from Stanley during the incident of physical abuse.
What does Eunice advise Stella regarding the rape incident?
Eunice tells Stella to never believe the rape occurred and to be content with her life.
What action does Eunice take against Steve?
Eunice beats Steve back when they are engaged in physical abuse.
What future role could Eunice represent for Stella?
Eunice could represent the future sister-figure and emotional support in Stella’s life as Blanche exits.
What responsibility does Eunice take on when Blanche is removed?
Eunice takes care of the baby when Blanche is being removed from their lives.
What does the name ‘Stella’ originate from?
‘Stella’ originates from the Latin word for star.
What symbol can a star be considered as?
A star can be considered a symbol of light, a beacon of hope, and stability.
Who does Blanche come to Elysian Fields looking for?
Blanche comes to Elysian Fields looking for Stella.
What does Blanche see Stella as?
Blanche sees Stella as her last hope for stability.
How does Stanley view Stella?
Stanley views Stella as his life, wife, and mother of his child.
Despite Stanley’s abusive behavior, how does he feel about Stella?
He loves her in his way and is possessive about her.
What does Stanley see Stella as a hope for?
Stanley sees Stella as hope for an enriching future and stable life with their child.
How is Stella characterized in comparison to Stanley and Blanche?
Stella is characterized as honest, open, and stable, unlike Stanley and Blanche.
Fill in the blank: Stella is the _______ her name carries.
light
Who does Stella represent in the context of the 1940’s housewife?
The conditioned 1940’s housewife who lacks freedom to express herself.
What societal issues does Stella face?
Male superiority and hegemonic masculinity.
What are the primary roles of Stella as a housewife?
Clean, wash, cook, and please her husband.
How is Stella economically dominated?
She is dependent on an allowance from her husband.
Does the question of Stella working arise during the play?
No, the question of her working never arises.
How does Stella feel about her role as a housewife?
She does not question her role and is devoted to her husband.
What is known about Stella’s feelings towards motherhood?
She is keen and happy to have the baby of her husband.
Fill in the blank: Stella can be seen as a victim of _______.
[economic domination]
True or False: Stella actively questions her role as a housewife.
False
