Character Analysis Of Blanche From 'A Streetcar Named Desire'
Moreover, within this scene we can observe Blanche try to use flirtation during her interaction with Stanley, in order to take control over the situation. However, Stanley is blunt in his response commenting that Blanche’s ‘looks’ are ‘merely okay’ once she questions whether she could have ‘once been considered attractive’. Naturally, this insinuates that Blanche will not have dominance over Stanley through her sexual appeal, which will make the events of play more intriguing for the audience, as we do not know who holds the upper hand. I find it rather ironic that Blanche comments that she prefers an artist who paints in ‘strong’ and ‘bold’ colours, as her past is filled with ambiguities and she rarely appears straightforward, along with this
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As we can observe, Mitch’s actions are described as ‘shy’ or with an ‘awkward courtesy’, which causes Blanche to almost instantly question ‘Is he married’. This demonstrates that Blanche perceives Mitch as an idealistic husband, whilst she perceives Stanley as ‘primitive’. Perhaps this suggests that Blanche’s wealthy upbringing has engrained within her a preference towards more traditionally gentlemanly men rather than the macho and straightforward type. The inscription ‘If God should choose I shall but love thee better after death’ can serve as significant as it holds allusions to Blanche’s affection towards Allan which seems to be more profound after his death; along with echoing this idea of death vs. desire, which is often times related to Blanche as she yearns to be desired, yet is constantly shadowed by death. This scene also incorporates dramatic irony as can be observed when Blanche assures Mitch that Stella is older than her, despite the stage directions informing us Blanche is 5 years older. This may derive from Blanche’s need to put on a façade to impress Mitch, which is seen again when she asks him to cover the light with a lantern. This is almost a reference to the quote by Plato and is symbolic of Blanche’s refusal to face the light which symbolizes reality, not only the realism of her appearance but of her past and her entire
As we can observe, Mitch’s actions are described as ‘shy’ or with an ‘awkward courtesy’, which causes Blanche to almost instantly question ‘Is he married’. This demonstrates that Blanche perceives Mitch as an idealistic husband, whilst she perceives Stanley as ‘primitive’. Perhaps this suggests that Blanche’s wealthy upbringing has engrained within her a preference towards more traditionally gentlemanly men rather than the macho and straightforward type. The inscription ‘If God should choose I shall but love thee better after death’ can serve as significant as it holds allusions to Blanche’s affection towards Allan which seems to be more profound after his death; along with echoing this idea of death vs. desire, which is often times related to Blanche as she yearns to be desired, yet is constantly shadowed by death. This scene also incorporates dramatic irony as can be observed when Blanche assures Mitch that Stella is older than her, despite the stage directions informing us Blanche is 5 years older. This may derive from Blanche’s need to put on a façade to impress Mitch, which is seen again when she asks him to cover the light with a lantern. This is almost a reference to the quote by Plato and is symbolic of Blanche’s refusal to face the light which symbolizes reality, not only the realism of her appearance but of her past and her entire