A Streetcar Named Desire Appearance Vs Reality Analysis

How are dramatic elements used to convey and enrich meaning? In the play, A Streetcar Named Desire, the theme used throughout the work, is appearances vs reality. This can be considered a broad meaning, however in this case, the two main characters, Stanley and Stella, appear to have a loving, safe relationship. In reality, Stanley is quite abusive towards Stella. That is one way the theme can be related to the text, but another interpretation is how Blanche appears to be sane. In reality, she has trauma related mental problems that become apparent throughout the text. The author tries to portray the character’s lives different then what is actually going on in their private lives. Symbolism is used in the play by Blanche’s “fancy and expensive” items. These possessions from Blanche’s perspective look new and expensive, but they actually are worn out and cheap from the outsider’s view. This shows how someone can think they are doing a good job how hiding their true self, but actually, everyone can see through their persona. Blanche tries her best to make sure her appearances are well kept; she is completely oblivious to the fact that she has severe mental and emotional problems, due to the fact that her husband took his own life.

Take a look at yourself in that worn out Mardi Gras outfit, rented for fifty cents from some rag picker! And with the crazy crown on! What queen do you think you are?” (Williams, 127).
Appearance vs reality not only means that the reader/ public can be deceived, but also a person can deceive themselves. The characters outside of Blanche are very aware of the disguise that she puts on, but Blanche isn’t aware of it