Character Analysis: A Streetcar Named Desire

A Streetcar Named Desire is appropriate study for grade 12 students as it highlights ones need to face reality and inherently how it affects one's relationship with the world and those in it. As well as, exemplifies how the past has a way of coming back with more fight and fury. Most powerfully, this play addresses heavy topics such as abuse and trauma though most interestingly how the characters cope. To begin with, one's view of the world inherently affects ones relationship with it. The character Stella, is no longer sheltered; she sees the world for what it is. She is aware of what other people face and is forgiving. Whereas Blanche, does not want "realism," she wants "magic!" She tells "what ought to be [the] truth." Her lies result in conflict (Williams 145). Stanley, in contrast sees through all the lies and simply wants to pull her off the columns. He thinks he will "Strike [Blanche] as being the unrefined type." Innately he thinks the world sees him as "unrefined;" he has a disdain for it, this results in him being unduly aggressive (28). Through Stella, Blanche, and Stanley the reader learns the lesson that one's view of the world affects her relationship with it. …show more content…
The character Blanche lies about taking a break from teaching, when in reality she got fired for being "morally unfit," which only fuels Stanley's contempt when he finds out (146). Another lie Blanche tells or rather acts out is that she embodies purity, and is as lady as lady can be. When Mitch finds out she's not all that she pretends to be their relationship falls out. The most impactful lies are those surrounding Alan and his death. Blanche carries a heavy burden of guilt and trauma that frankly, she is avoiding. Nevertheless, these lies and her refusal to face the truth lead to her eventual end. Ultimately, the past lies told affect the

Show More

Streetcar Named Desire: A Character Analysis