Themes and Character Dynamics in A Streetcar Named Desire
Character Analysis: Mitch vs. Stanley
Finally, we must mention Mitch: neighbor, friend of Stanley, and a character totally different from him. Mitch was attentive, sensitive, and affectionate—quite the opposite of his friend.
His mother was dying, and Mitch was watching over her every day; perhaps this is why he was the most sensitive and attentive character.
Just as he was very aware of his mother, he was very attentive to Blanche. However, the relationship with her could not progress further because Blanche saw him as a replacement for her previous partner; she felt that he only provided closeness or company, nothing more.
Setting and Atmosphere in New Orleans
Regarding the setting, it was a dirty and run-down neighborhood (a multicultural site). We can say that when Blanche arrived, she was surprised by the location. This is why both her customs and the characters collide, as she expected a different kind of life.
The Role of Music and Sound
Regarding the music, when Stanley talks to Stella's sister, Blanche, while she is bathing, she is heard singing in the shower.
Tennessee Williams tries to play with the "inside" and "outside" by using different types of music. I also think that music helps the audience to better understand Blanche's psychological situation.
Symbolism and the Irony of Blanche’s Name
I would like to highlight some of the topics referred to in the work that caught my attention. First, we see one of Williams' typical characteristics: the play on words. This is clear in the name Blanche; "Blanche" means "white" in French. When we hear the word "white," it conveys peace, tranquility, and purity. This is an example of irony, since she is actually promiscuous.
Societal Expectations and Gender Roles
Another issue is that the behaviors exhibited by both men and women in certain situations, although inappropriate, are accepted by society.
The subject of physical and sexual appearance appears throughout the text, and it is important to mention. Blanche is the person who displays this most prominently, as she seeks that desire to marry and to be liked by men throughout the play. She seeks recognition and an identity she has lost. The fact that her husband was homosexual affected her deeply.
Desire, Destruction, and Death
I also believe that sexual desire is linked to destruction. For instance, when Stanley violates Blanche, he denies it, and in the end, she is sent to a sanatorium.
Another example is when Blanche's husband commits suicide upon realizing his homosexuality. Once again, as mentioned before, sexual desire leads to death.
The Conflict Between Fantasy and Reality
Another subject to emphasize is that of fantasy versus reality. A moment arrives in which Blanche can no longer distinguish the real from the imaginary.
Masculinity and Femininity
Finally, two important issues to discuss are the masculinity and femininity within the work. When we speak of femininity, we refer to the sisters; the only thing they truly have in common is the need to have a man by their side.
Blanche displays more physical femininity than Stella, although Stella’s character is more grounded in reality.
Regarding masculinity, we refer to Stanley and Mitch—two totally different characters.