Animosity Between Blance and Stanley
Animosity Between Blanche and Stanley
In the play A Streetcar Named Desire, written by Tennessee Williams, two of the main characters Blanche and Stanley create chaos within the household. The chaos results in tension, which is clearly noticeable from the very beginning of the play. This tension affects others around them, the main effect being on Stella (Stanley’s Wife). The animosity between Blanche and Stanley is based upon their different social backgrounds, their complete difference in personalities, and their belief that the other negatively impacts Stella.
The difference in their social backgrounds causes conflict between Stanley and Blanche. Stanley is from an immigrant family and is a proud member of the working class. On the other hand Blanche comes from a southern family where she was raised to see herself as socially elite. This is evident when Blanche says to Stella “Oh, I guess he’s just not the type that goes for jasmine perfume.” (Williams, 44) This comment about Stanley is Blanche’s way of stating that he lacks the ability to appreciate the fine taste, which she has. This is due to the fact that they were both raised with different social backgrounds. As Tice Dace states Though Blanche does not seem to have enough money to afford a hotel, she is disdainful of the cramped quarters of the Kowalskis’ two-room apartment and of the apartment’s location in a noisy, diverse, working-class neighborhood. Blanche’s social condescension wins her the instant dislike of Stella’s husband, an auto-parts supply man of Polish descent named Stanley Kowalski. (Dace, 1)
Dace’s comment helps prove how the difference in social backgrounds causes arguments because it shows that Blanche is not content with staying in such a residence. Blanche had become accustomed to staying at mansions such as Belle Reve before she came to her sister’s house. The effect of the different backgrounds leads to many disagreement between Stanley and Blanche. Blanche tries
In the play A Streetcar Named Desire, written by Tennessee Williams, two of the main characters Blanche and Stanley create chaos within the household. The chaos results in tension, which is clearly noticeable from the very beginning of the play. This tension affects others around them, the main effect being on Stella (Stanley’s Wife). The animosity between Blanche and Stanley is based upon their different social backgrounds, their complete difference in personalities, and their belief that the other negatively impacts Stella.
The difference in their social backgrounds causes conflict between Stanley and Blanche. Stanley is from an immigrant family and is a proud member of the working class. On the other hand Blanche comes from a southern family where she was raised to see herself as socially elite. This is evident when Blanche says to Stella “Oh, I guess he’s just not the type that goes for jasmine perfume.” (Williams, 44) This comment about Stanley is Blanche’s way of stating that he lacks the ability to appreciate the fine taste, which she has. This is due to the fact that they were both raised with different social backgrounds. As Tice Dace states Though Blanche does not seem to have enough money to afford a hotel, she is disdainful of the cramped quarters of the Kowalskis’ two-room apartment and of the apartment’s location in a noisy, diverse, working-class neighborhood. Blanche’s social condescension wins her the instant dislike of Stella’s husband, an auto-parts supply man of Polish descent named Stanley Kowalski. (Dace, 1)
Dace’s comment helps prove how the difference in social backgrounds causes arguments because it shows that Blanche is not content with staying in such a residence. Blanche had become accustomed to staying at mansions such as Belle Reve before she came to her sister’s house. The effect of the different backgrounds leads to many disagreement between Stanley and Blanche. Blanche tries