A Streetcar Named Desire Identity Essay

Many people spend their lives searching for their identity, some spend their lives portraying a false identity, and several discover their identity earlier on in their lives. In the three main characters of A Streetcar Named Desire, readers become familiar with characters that
(sometimes more vaguely than others) represent each category that has been listed. How is identity defined? The term identity encompasses “our sense of who we are as individuals and as members of social groups. It also refers to our sense of how others may perceive and label us.”
(“Exploring the Concept of Identity,” paragraph 3). The extent to which people are free to shape their own identities is substantial because they can select their environment, they have the ability

The character, Stanley, is a prime example of someone who has already discovered his identity, aided by his predetermined biological traits. Stanley is described as coarse, direct, powerful, and at his physical peak (scene 3, pg. 46). As Stanley is already comfortable with his identity as it gives him power and control, which he craves, he does not strive to change anything about it. This points to the idea that people are set in their biological personalities, but we can clearly see that Stanley has been provided with plenty of opportunities to exercise and gain power. An example of this is when he was able to intimidate Blanche into becoming powerless so he could take advantage of her. “Tiger - tiger! Drop the bottle-top! Drop it! We’ve had this date with each other from the beginning!” (scene 10, pg. 162). Stanley has many opportunities to take control in his life, which has further developed and solidified his predetermined biological traits. On the other hand, Stella has been seen changing her predetermined traits throughout the story as she begins as a more outspoken woman, telling
Stanley things like, “This is my house and I’ll talk as much as I want to!” (scene 3, pg. 54),

165). In this way, we see Stella changing her identity despite her predetermined traits. Both of these examples show how our predetermined biological traits affect our personality and actions and how we may overcome or take advantage of them.
Individuals have substantial freedom to shape their identities based on their environment, ability to reflect, and predetermined traits. By deciding to stay in or change our environment, which helps to shape us, individuals have the ability to choose their identity. When an individual becomes capable of reflection and acceptance of who they are, they gain the ability to change their identity and the way others perceive them. An individual’s predetermined traits may affect how they emotionally handle their environment, but the way they choose to act on those emotions and impulses affects their identity. Though biological makeup can help determine an individual’s identity, they have the power to make decisions that will either change it or further develop it, and in this way, they have substantial freedom to shape their own identity.

Works Cited
“Exploring the Concept of Identity.” Facing History and Ourselves, 15 Mar. 2021,