Streetcar Named Desire - Key Incident Essay

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2006 Q4 - Theme of Desire and Key Incident

        “Streetcar Named Desire” is a play by Tennessee Williams in which the theme of desire is effectively highlighted by one specific scene.  The theme is explored through the use of symbolism and characterisation. Scene 4 is effective in deepening my understanding of the play as a whole and reinforcing characterisation within the play.

        Stella, who is well educated, decides in Scene 4 to abandon her values and embrace Stanley’s lower class way of living, for example Stella is reading “a book of coloured comics”. She has become dependant on Stanley.  Reading comics is childish and Stella has purposely left behind her well-educated background on her quest for Stanley’s approval.  We can see that by lowering her expectations of life and by marrying a common man, Stella has given into desire.  This is effective because you wouldn’t expect an educated woman to read a comic as they are associated with illiterates and low social classes.

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        Another example of desire in Stella’s life is that scene 4 takes place the morning after she was hit by Stanley.  Stella explains that she is “thrilled” by Stanley’s passionate anger.  She is honest about why she likes Stanley and what excites her, unlike Blanche who troubles herself with hiding her promiscuity.  She admits that the violence is the attraction.  Stella’s bluntness is surprising because she comes from the North where it is unusual for women to be so open about their desires and needs. Stella also loves the fact he is a potentially dangerous man. We are shown this ...

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