The time and setting of the book plays a key role in this screen play. The 50’s was a time where the husband dominated their wives. However, it was developing into a type of behavior where the man had actually apologized for his actions. In Scene three and five, Stella and Stanley and Eunice and Steve all have arguments where the man does something wrong and the woman storms out of the house and yells “I’ll call the police!” In prior times, like in the 20’s or 30’s, the man would say “Suck it up” or something of that nature. However, in this time period, it seems that the man sees his faults and apologizes for them and asks the woman to return. Although the woman accepts the apology and all becomes normal again, the woman still feels obliged to accept the apology. This can be seen through a feminist’s perspective where the woman has become more dominant and the man must atone for his actions.
Throughout the first six scenes of “A Streetcar Named Desire” Blanche and Stanley have not had the best relationship. The two characters seem to despise one another and talk about each other behind their backs. Blanche describes Stanley as “…insufferably rude. He goes out of his way to offend me” (Pg 92) She also seems to use their relationship issues as an excuse to get out of their house. When Stella and Blanche were talking about expenses and her impeding on their home, she openly tells her a way she could get out. “Yes-I want Mitch…very badly! Just think! If it happens! I can leave here and not be anyone’s problem…” (pg 81)
Although Blanche seems to be a very secure person on the outside, on the inside she is not very fond of herself. Her character makes her do silly things in order to make her feel good about herself. She seems desperate to feel loved. To a young man who works for the newspaper: “Come here, I want to kiss you, just once, softly and sweetly on your mouth!” (Pg 84). She is also so-willing to marry and live with a man she barely knows. She is a static character that is often very surprising. (Although it should be expected from someone like herself)
This is true Blanche does seem to want to be loved by anyone even a complete stranger like Mitch and the boy she kissed. The fact that you said the women felt obligated to accept the men's apologies, I felt was true. Stella did accept Stanley apology quickly after the fight and eveything did go back to normal. I think Stanley should have begged more for her forgiveness, but seeing the time the play was made I can see why this wouldn't happen.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read that Blanche had the nerve to kiss that young man on the lips, I was astonished. How can you do something like that. You don't even know that young man. Was that a desperate act, or was she looking for love? you tell me.
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