Summary Of Blanche In 'A Streetcar Named Desire'

Through the revealing events that unfold as the story progresses, Stella becomes aware of her life in an honest light that only Blanche’s presence provides. By the end of the play, Stella realizes that her life is not as perfect as she had previously thought, thanks to questions that Blanche arose intentionally and unintentionally. With this, her view of her relationship with Stanley also transforms as Blanche inadvertently brings out a side of him that alienates him from Stella. Up until Blanche’s arrival, Stella seems to be content with her life. However, Blanche introduces questions that appear to grow in Stella’s mind as the play progresses and more violent events occur. After spending some time in Stella’s everyday atmosphere, Blanche

Again, Blanche aids this transition by bringing out the very worst in Stanley. It is clear that Stanley loathes Blanche and as a result, Stella discovers the hateful side of him apart from his abusive history. After Stanley strikes her, Stella is in shock as any other person would be. Yet, she returns to him, indicating that this is a common trend in their relationship. However, Blanche blatantly condemns Stella for returning to him after such an action. (Scene Four, pages 72-73) She proclaims, “Pull yourself together and face the facts,” and “In my opinion? You’re married to a madman!” (Scene Four, page 72) Similar to before, Blanche has planted the seed of doubt in Stella’s mind. On the day of Blanche’s birthday, Stella is appalled by the fact that Stanley told Mitch about Blanche’s sour past, ruining the chance of a new beginning for Blanche. (Scene Seven, 125-127) There is no doubt that she is feels sick to her stomach as she hotly demands answers from Stanley about what will happen next for Blanche. Her annoyance is clear once the birthday supper begins as she states, “Mr. Kowalski is too busy making a pig of himself to think of anything else!” and to Stanley, “Your face and your fingers are disgustingly greasy. Go and wash up and then help me clear the table.” (Scene Eight, 131) After Stanley hurls the plate, cup, and saucer to the floor, Stella cries slightly. (Scene Eight, 131) At this point, Stella is beginning to realize how much of a monster Stanley truly is. Lastly, when Stanley cruelly presents Blanche with a ticket back to Laurel, Stella is quiet and finally demands an answer from Stanley rather than just letting it go and grabs his shirt forcefully as she dictates, “You’re not going bowling. Why did you do this to her?” (Scene Eight, 137) This reveals that confidence and anger have finally replaced submission and faux happiness. While she in a way chooses Stanley in the end, there