Stanley and Blanche- Change in control

Stanley and Blanche both handle situation in different ways; Stanley takes a more physical approach whereas Blanche uses words to convey her feelings and to control the situation. This can be established through the end of Scene 2. Stanley is the dominant speaker at the first when he opens up Blanche’s trunk to look for papers; he uses his strength to get what he wants. Unlike Blanche who is well educated, Stanley has to resort to using his strength in order for him to feel like he is controlling the conversation. However, it could be argued that his way of taking control of the situation could be due to him feeling vulnerable and not being able to get what he wants.

On the other hand, Blanche takes a different approach to the situation. By the end of the scene it seems as though Blanche has the upper hand. When she looks through the papers she does it in a calm manner, slowly reading of names “Ambler & Ambler, Crabtree”. By doing this she is in control as she knows what the names mean, she has had to deal with the solicitors and therefore is more comfortable with the situation. Whereas, Stanley is at lost and needs to ask questions in order to feel aware of the situation. He is constantly mentioning the fact that he is knows many different people so when Blanche tells him to “present them” to his lawyer acquaintance his response is sheepish because he finally has to show some action to all the talk that he does; he is out of his depth.

Topic shift also helps present a clearer understanding of who is control of the scene. When Stanley asks about papers the first thought that comes into Blanche’s head is “first anniversary gift” representing the type of person she is. She is someone who believes in love and romance. Whereas, Stanley’s first thought of papers is “legal papers”, showing that he is someone who is more head strong and aware of money. However, this doesn’t mean he is educated in this area. He repeatedly mentions the fact that he is well acquainted with many different people; this helps him feel more in control. He wants to come across as someone who shouldn’t be taken lightly but also knows his stuff. Blanche is vulnerable when the conversation of her first love comes to discussion. “Everyone has something he won’t let others touch because of their- intimate nature...” When she talks about her first love she loses control of the situation as the topic is hard for her to talk about and she is constantly trying to put on a brave face and feel like she is stronger than she really is.

The topic shift and the manner of which both characters respond to the situation illustrates who is in control of the situation.