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MonkeyNotes-A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
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Themes
The Themes of A Streetcar Named Desire are built on conflict, the
conflicts between men and women and the conflicts of race, class,
and attitude to life. The main differences that are developed during
the play are between Blanche and Stanley. The first time they are
shown on stage together, their differences are evident. Stanley has
just returned from work in his rough denim work clothes, carrying
his bowling jacket, and a bloodstained package of meat from the
butcher's. In contrast, Blanche is daintily dressed in a white outfit
with a fluffy bodice, matching pearl accessories, white gloves, and a
hat. A refined, sophisticated woman, wearing furs and jewelry, is
thrown into close contact with this rough, raw, representative of
manhood; it is like beauty versus the beast.
Stanley's society only knows how to keep women in their place by
treating them subordinately. For him, the wife's place is in the
home, at his service day and night. When Stella begins to assert
herself and comment on his bad manners, he rightly believes that
Blanche's presence is the cause for it. She has brought Stella's
personal identity to the forefront again. Stanley feels that the actions
of the sisters together are a constant reminder of his lower working
class background, and he feels inferior. As a male in a man's world,
he does not want to feel inferior. He strikes back with violence,
hitting Stella, throwing dishes, and ultimately raping Blanche. By
overcoming his sister-in-law physically, he has won the conflict
between them. Symbolically, the new, uncaring machine age has
defeated the gentility of aristocracy of the Old South.
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