Mitch's Use Of Power In A Streetcar Named Desire

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During the play, “a streetcar named Desiree” Mitch exercises 3 different types of power during the time of scene 3. In the first instance of power, we see Mitch's use of “Referent Power”. Referent power is based on identification with a person who has desirable resources or personal traits, if you like a person you will allow them to exercise power over you to please them. Mitch as we know seems to be close friends or at least close enough to understand Stanley and what types of power Stanley uses. We see throughout the scene how Mitch will dismiss and be unbothered by the way Stanley yells, judges, or harasses him throughout their time playing poker. We see this instance multiple times throughout the scene, first when Stanley yells, “Sit …show more content…

Stanley will allow him to use this form of control over him as long as Mitch still stays below where Stanley sits in the range of power. We then see Mitch use expert power to deal with Stanley when he becomes aggravated and intoxicated. Expert power is influence wielded due to expertise, special skill, or knowledge. Expert power is derived from possessing knowledge or expertise in a particular area. It's easy to tell that based on how fast Mitch can take control over Stanley after he hits Stella just by the way he quickly responds with, “Put him under the shower!” (S3, PG. 65), and “You just blew your top, Stan” (S3, PG. 64), and even “Put him on the bed and get a wet towel.” (S3, PG. 64). Since Mitch is so experienced in the way Stanley acts he's able to easily take control of Steve and Pablo and have them step in to get Stanley under control with no questions asked. Mitch does not even seem phased by the way Stanley acts, and Pablo and Steve are quick to recognize the power Mitch holds over them to keep them there in the house and to help him take control of Stanley. The last form of power we see Mitch exercise is charismatic power when he is left