A Streetcar Named Desire Illusion Vs Reality

Illusion is a deception that we choose to live when reality is out of control. But it could not exist without reality. We use illusions to escape reality and enter our own; one that plays by our own rules, while others face reality. Illusion vs. Reality is a continuous battle throughout A Streetcar Named Desire, made by Tennessee Williams. This battle is executed through the illusions of Blanche Dubois; as she is the main character wrapped in illusions, Stella’s important role, and Stanley being the realist he is. All of these characters have a part to play in this dispute, and they all have a reality that they do not want to come to terms with, hence why the illusions play a major role in this play.

First off, Blanche Dubois is the most

He lives an era where everything he does is alright, and he is not worried about any consequences. His world is basic and straight forward, with little to no complexity. He will always lay his cars on the table when he has the chance. He takes action based on his perception of reality, which is easy to him. Whenever he wants, he is the dominant one in the relationship and realizes that reality wills it so. In his reality he sees that women are seen as below in society which was true at the time. This causes him to do whatever he wants and to take pleasure and control in the relationship. Stanley embodies the reality of what a man is in the 1940s. “Stanley Kowalski—survivor of the Stone Age!” (Williams 72). The reality in which a man can be dominant, bestial and violent is prominent in this time, and Stanley embraces it fully. He embraces the reality and uses reality to his advantage. While Blanche is living in illusions, Stanley lives in reality to cast her away and to scare her of what reality truly brings. Light represents reality, and Stanley embodies that. It represents the truth and even though the truth is harsh to Blanche; in society is not. Harsh reality is what Stanley goes by in this world, and he does not let anything get in his way. It opposes the darkness that Blanche lives in, as he shines the light of reality on her. In Stanley’s relationship with Stella, he wants dominance over her and wants her to bide by his laws. He cares about the sexual relationship and not the emotional one. Overall, the lens that Stanley views life is based on primal instincts, dominance, and violence. He plays reality in the battle against illusion, as reality works heavily in his favour. In the 1940s reality is tailored to Stanley Kowalski, and he uses it to his