Relationships In A Streetcar Named Desire

The play, A Streetcar Named Desire, written by Tennessee Williams, successfully explores the complexities and diversities of human relationships. This was achievable through Williams’ complex characterisation and interaction among the plays characters, particularly with the protagonist, Blanch DuBois as well as Stanley and Stella. The effective use of various dramatic and language techniques, further enables this successful exploration.

BLANCHE

The protagonist of A Streetcar Named Desire, Blanche Dubois, is central to the play and its close analysis of the human condition. Upon her arrival at her sister’s home, Blanche is an insecure and broken individual, possessed by her desire and fear of death. This has greatly affected her ability to maintain a functional relationship, instead “depending on the kindness of strangers”. Her “uncertain manner” and “lonely” qualities highlight her rapid state of mental decline, as does the various relationships experienced throughout her life. The marriage to her young husband Allan and his tragic death as well as her recent sexual history is an example of these relationships which can have a substantial influence on an individual. Stella comments on these influences explaining how “nobody was as tender and trusting as she was. But then

people like you [Stanley] abused her and forced her to change.” Blanches constant bathing practices further support this change because of her relationships. Her attempts to cleanse herself from her past and thus being able to forget the guilt she carries occurs by being “freshly bathed and scented and feeling like a brand new human being.” Blanches complex characterisation is further enhanced through her ‘misrepresentation’ of the truth. She first confesses this to the audience in scene **, despite being evident throughout the play. The reoccurring motif of the paper lantern represents this continual hiding from the truth. By covering the lightbulb, Blanche creates an illusion, further constructing a fantasy world in which reality has been altered to become more bearable. Her irrational fear of light is also alluded to in in the stage directions at the beginning of the play, detailing how “her delicate beauty must avid a strong light….” The character and complex characterisation of Blanche Dubois is central in the play, particularly highlighting the different diversities and effects which they can have on an individual.

BLANCHE AND STANLEY
Throughout the play, Blanche has a conflicting relationship with Stanley, conveying the diversities of the human condition throughout ASND. The significant contrasts in each character’s social background, use of language and concept of love, clearly demonstrate this opposition, highlighted by Blanche as “if it weren’t for Stella about to have a baby I wouldn’t be able to endure things here”. As an individual, Blanche represents the old world of Southern America. She speaks using complex English metaphors and believes (the one you love should fulfil physical desires but also protect feelings) love “****”. Stanley on the other hand, represent the new American dream. He speaks in slang through the frequent use colloquial language and believes love is only to satisfy desire. This highlights the primitive and animal like qualities of Stanley’s character, further referenced in his zodiac sign of “Capricorn the Goat”. Williams additionally places emphasis on these contrasting characters through the use of colour in their costume directions. While Blanche selects pastels or whites, Stanley needs vividness and hence is presented as course and direct through the powerful primary colours. His green and scarlet bowling-shirt is an example of this. The confrontations between Blanche and Stanley only heighten as the play goes on. Stanley continues to represent the stark reality, despite Blanches ‘Paper lanterns’. Towards the end of the play however, Stanley’s outburst exclaiming, “Not once did you pull any wool over this boy’s eyes”, depicts how their complex relationship has developed, with Stanley maintaining afer dominance. “Come to think of it you wouldn’t be so bad to – interfere with”, further reflects this, detailing their final confrontation and it is lasting effect on Blanch, where she fully retreats to her fantasy world. The relationship between Blanche and Stanley is complex, continually changing through the plays course despite clear contrasts.

BLANCHE AND STELLA
Blanche’s relationship with her sister Stella demonstrates how ASND is also able to effectively explore the nature of family relationships, emphasising diversity.

As previously mentioned, Blanche arrives at Stella’s home as an insecure and broken individual, with nowhere to go. Her dependence on Stella ****. Stella is sympathetic towards Blanche. She is continually looking out for her, particularly her feelings and self-esteem. This can be seen through the complements regarding Blanche’s appearance, prompting others likewise – “And admire her dress”. Despite her mental instability and rapid decline, Blanche still attempts to influence and govern Stella’s life and her relationship with

Stanley.