Comparing Blanche Dubois And Stanley Kowalski

In the play, A Streetcar Named Desire written by Tennessee Williams, the two main characters Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski are strongly portrayed as polar opposites when they are first introduced in the play. The two characters’ differences are seen through their appearances, since Blanche is portrayed as a delicate moth while Stanley is portrayed as animalistic. They are different by interests, Blanche loves to be admired and pampered while Stanley likes to be more laid back and at ease. They also differ by their social status, Blanche was raised in a wealthy plantation family in Laurel, while Stanley has grown up in the poor areas of New Orleans. Williams seems to develop these differences more between Blanche and Stanley as the play

continues.

When the reader is first introduced to Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski, it is clear how the two characters are opposites just by their appearances. Blanche is portrayed as a pure and innocent delicate person. “She is daintily dressed in a white suit with a fluffy bodice, necklace and earrings of peal, white gloves and hat, looking as if she were arriving at a summer tea or cocktail party in the garden district (Williams, 15).” From this description the reader can assume that she comes from a rich background by her expensive taste in clothing and accessories. However, the color white that she has draped herself in makes her seem frail and timid. “Her delicate beauty must avoid a strong light. There is something about her uncertain manner, as well as her white clothes, that suggests a moth (Williams, 15).” However, Stanley is portrayed as an exact opposite of Blanche’s appearance. When he first walks on stage in the play, he is “about twenty-eight or thirty years old, roughly dressed in blue denim work clothes (Williams, 1).” From this description the reader can interpret that Stanley is a working man, who seems to be laid back with his simple way of dressing. As the reader can see, from the very beginning of the play Williams has made it clear that the two characters are polar opposites, Blanche is the beautiful dainty moth, while Stanley is the rough and overbearing man.

Blanche and Stanley are also proven to be complete opposites by their different interests.

From Blanche’s rich and expensive appearance, the reader can guess that her interests can only due with money, clothing, and jewelry. “Look at these feathers and furs that she come here to preen herself in…a solid gold dress…fur pieces…(Williams, 6).” In every new scene Blanche is dressed or changing into a new and unique looking garment. It is also made clear by Blanche’s sister that she loves to be admired and complimented about her clothes and beauty. “And admire her dress and tell her she’s looking wonderful. That’s important with Blanche. Her little weakness (Williams, ).” From these scenes the reader can see that Blanche is very materialistic and self-absorbed always wanting to be the one in the spotlight with her new clothes and expensive accessories. On the other hand Stanley’s interests seem to be more relaxed and laid back. His interests are more simple things such as bowling, drinking, and playing poker with his friends. “Branching out form this complete and satisfying center are all the auxiliary channels of his life, such as his heartiness with men, his appreciation of rough humor, his love of good drink and food and games, his car, his radio…(Williams, ).” Stanley has no interest in money or showing off, he just likes to have a good time. From their differing interests, the reader can see just how different Blanche and Stanley are, Blanche loves to be pampered and admired, while Stanley just likes to be laid back and at ease with himself and his

friends.

A third aspect that the Blanche and Stanley differ in is their social statuses. Blanche was raised in Laurel on a plantation called Belle Reve. Her family had a sufficient amount of money from the plantation, so Blanche has always been around money throughout her life. In Laurel she was an English teacher, but unfortunately needed a break due to stress and went to visit her sister, Stella. When she arrives at Stella’s house she is horrified at what she sees. She is upset that her sister is living in a run down, cramped apartment, with no maids. “Why didn’t you tell me, why didn’t you write me, honey, why didn’t you let me know (Williams, 0)?” She does not understand why her sister could make a transition from their status to a lower one. In contrast, Stanley has been living in the poor section of New Orleans in Elysian Fields. This building is “mostly white frame, weathered gray, with rickety outside stairs and galleries and quaintly ornamented gables (Williams, 1).” He makes a living by working in a plant and used to be a Master Sergeant in the Engineer’s Corps. He is very content with his small house and property and does not wish for anything more. Once again, the differences between Blanche and Stanley are made evident by their social statuses, Blanche the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner currently working as an English teacher, while Stanley is an ex-Master Sergeant in the Engineer’s Corps currently working at a plant.

In conclusion, it is easy to see how Tennessee William’s portrayed Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire as polar opposites. From the first moment the two characters enter on stage it becomes apparent to the reader that they are complete opposites by their appearance, their interests, and their social status. These differences follow the two characters throughout the rest of the play.