Character Analysis Of Blanche Dubois In A Streetcar Named Desire By Tennessee Williams

The classic Southern belle was a woman who was expected to be frail, flirtatious and a guardian of youth. Their poise and purity attracted men and their virginity took away men’s sin. These women were always eager for attention. They let their beauty shine, and always made sure it was known by everyone around her. Southern belles, at times, could stir up a bit of drama. One could compare Southern Belles to a porcelain doll. Beautiful, but if handled the wrong way, will break. In the play, A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, Williams portrays the main character, Blanche Dubois, as a Southern belle whose youth and beauty strikes her as one of the most important parts of her life she cannot live without. She has lost all she believes
Therefore, she tries to hide every imperfection as it fades away. When entering a room, Blanche expects to be flourished with compliments and given all the attention she desires. Therefore, her sister is always sure her wishes are fulfilled. Upon entering in the first scene, Blanche is dressed in a way that is much too extravagant for the setting. She could be described as “…daintily dressed in a white suit with a fluffy bodice, necklace and earrings of pearl, white gloves and hat, looking as if she were arriving at a summer tea or cocktail party in the garden district” (15). This shows that Blanche’s expectations of her sister’s house was much too luxurious than it is in reality. By wearing fancy clothes, it is a way for Blanche to make a grand appearance which may grab the attention of her family. When Blanche arrives in New Orleans, she is overjoyed to see her sister Stella, and immediately asks to look at her beauty. But tells Stella not to admire her own (18-19). This can conclude Blanche’s insecurity of her fading looks. Blanche also remarks that Stella has gained weight; but says she hasn’t gained “one ounce in ten years” (22). By judging and comparing herself to Stella, it makes her sound more beautiful and younger. Blanche also bears a chest full of genuine furs, pearls, tiaras, dresses and jewels which all appear to look real and expensive. Although, when asked if they were real, she denies and tell the person they are fake or costume jewelry. This shows that Blanche may appear natural and young, but beneath her makeup and luxuries, an aging woman appears. Blanche also takes frequent hot baths. These baths symbolize youth and rejuvenation. For instance, when Blanche once arrived from bathing, she exclaimed: “here I am, all freshly bathed and scented, and feeling like a brand new human being” (37). By saying that, it confirms that Blanche believes baths give her a feel of youth, hence the