In "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams, the author writes a story that explains how an older sister stays at her younger sisters and husband house in New Orleans because she has no where else to go. Throughout the reading we see a lot of conflicts between Stanley, Stella and Blanche. Stanley who's the husband of Stella seems to have a hard time getting along with Stella's sister Blanche. Throughout the eight scenes I read so far, Stanley is a rude and mean man who has this physical approach where he see's himself as a king. He treats his wife and Blanche with disrespect and he has a bad temper where Blanche describes him to a "madman" (1564). In addition he has this mentality of being controlling to his wife Stella. For instance, in Scene seven Stanley informs his wife that Blanche will be out of the house by a specific day because he's tired of having her at his house. We see the scene of controlling when Stanley tells his wife "She'll go! Period. P.s. She'll go Tuesday!" (1584). At this point, Stanley is the one who gives orders by being the controlling and dominant one between him and his wife.
Referring back to the question, we do see Stanley as something other then a brute beast at the beginning of the reading when he meets Blanche for the first time. In scene one, Stanley seems very comfortable around Blanche when there both having a conversation with each other. He asks her questions about her life and things she does for living. So in this case, the readers see Stanley as a normal approachable man. But when the tables turn for Stanley he gets this bad feeling about Blanche when his wife Stella informs him about the house in the country Belle Reve ended up being lost. Stanley goes historical and assumes the house wasn't lost but sold for money and sufficient funds that Blanche bought herself. He goes against his wife Stella and Blanche on what they have to say about the house being lost.
Towards the end of reading the last eight scenes about Stanley his life in general does not seem to get any better then it already is. He does not know how to control his anger, or mood when it comes to his wife Stella and Blanche. Stanley try's to change in the manner of seconds for Stella and promises her that he's going to stop drinking and change his attitude. But overall, Stanley doesn't keep his promises that he makes and ends up breaking them just so he can get his way. For instance, he promised Stella that he would stop drinking but doesn't go through with his word and continues to drink. Stanley is no better man then he can already be which is just a over controlling man.
So you are saying that Stanley is a controlling and dominant man? [Similar to David Lurie huh?] All the conflicts that arise may be introduced by Blanche. More or less, she is really an unwelcome guest in the household. Since the beginning, Stanley does not feel comfortable with her presence at all. Perhaps all those wild-man behaviors that he displays so far in the play are the manifestation of his uneasiness and despise of Blanche's stay in his house.
ReplyDeleteStanley keeps breaking promises; this may reflect that he is a typical person, or a person just like everyone else who promises one thing but can't keep up with that promise.
So far, you've been looking at the negative side of Stanley. There is another side of his. He isn't entirely a bad man. He works hard for the family; he provides for the household. He loves his wife...etc.
Stanley throughout the play does reveal that he is possessive, rude, and has a bad temper. I like how you integrated your quote about Blanche stating that Stanley was like a madman to describe his bad temper. Also I thought your stating of Stanley wanting Blanche to leave also heightened your view point that he was controlling. He is in control, and does not want anyone controlling him. However, at the end of your blog you state that Stanley breaks his promises that he states to Stella but does he break his promises? We have not gotten to a point where he drinks again, so I am not sure if you could say that with evidence to support that. Also, does Stanley break those promises just to get his way or is it more like he breaks them because he reverts back to his old original nature? Overall though, I agree with your view point on Stanley and I would only say that maybe you should have included another point of where you see Stanley stray away from his brute like nature. Other then that, you did a good job integrating Blanche's view and Stella's view on Stanley as well.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I largely agree with you. Stanley more than any other character in this play, stays true to his role; as the stereotypical masculine man. Although there are small slivers that suggest otherwise, these moments seem to be quite insignificant in terms of the overall context of the entire play. Stanley is controlling, brutal, and violent and this is proven as a fact by the end of the play (sorry I read ahead). With this said, great post! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with the part where you mentioned that when Stanley bought the ticket for Blanche and told Stella that she was leaving Tuesday, no exceptions. It really does show his controlling side and also his attitude towards Blanche.
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