Why is Stella “thrilled” by Stanley’s violence?
Stella is “thrilled” by Stanley’s violence as it is something that reminds her of what things use to be like when they were first married. “He smashed all the lights bulbs with the heel of my slipper”. This sort of behaviour reminds her of the passion that they use to share. The thrill she gets from him shows the desire that she has for him. The reason she got on the “Streetcar named Desire” was because of her desire to be with Stanley. In addition, Stella lacks self esteem whereas Stanley is the alpha male which allows Stella feels safer and more confident. She mentions earlier in the play that out of all of Stanley’s friends, Stanley will be the most successful. She believes strongly in Stanley’s capability and may feel that this is partly due to his ability to be a leader. The use of violence and aggression is Stanley’s way of being in control.
Desire:
The use of the word Streetcar is used as a metaphor for desire. Stella knows that her love for Stanley is based on desire but she doesn’t care. In comparison, the same Streetcar that brought Blanche to New Orleans doesn’t hold anything of the sort. She feels like she isn’t wanted. The desire that brought Blanche to New Orleans was to get away from her past at the hotel Flamingo. She wanted to go back to the happiest time in her life: when she was young and in love. Although Allan is now dead the only connection she has left to him is Stella. Blanche believes that being close to Stella will keep her safe. Williams turns the word desire into a proper noun emphasising its importance in life. This sort of “Desire” is capable of making people act in irrational ways. In Stella’s case her desire to be with Stanley even though he is physically abusive to her.
Stanley and Stella’s Relationship:
“He gave me ten dollars to smooth things over”
This statement which occurs on scene four is said by Stella the day after Stanley attacked her. This quote suggests that Stella’s feelings towards Stanley are so strong that she is able to easily forgive him for his wrong doings. She is able to look over the mistake he did because the love that she has for him so strong. At the same time Stanley clearly loves Stella as ten dollars was a large sum of money at that time. It also emphasises the fact that Stanley is not the romantic type. It is mentioned earlier that Stanley is not romantic. In scene two when Blanche asks Stanley for a compliment his response is “I don’t go in for that stuff”. After treating Stella so badly his apology comes in the form of money, this adds to the fact that he doesn’t really believe in romance. In addition to be unromantic the reason he gave her money may be because he knows that Stella will forgive him and the money is a small gesture to show his remorse. Throughout the play Stanley is abusive to Stella but she still chooses him over her sister. At the end of scene four, Stella runs into Stanley’s embrace, leaving Blanche. This symbolises that she has chosen Stanley over her sister. Stanley knows that Stella’s love for him is stronger than anything else and therefore can treat her badly knowing full well that Stella can’t live without him.
Stella and Stanley at breakfast:
[Stanley is sitting at the table eating toast while reading the newspaper. Stella is bust preparing coffee for Stanley]
Stanley: I found the radio outside; it didn’t hit the pavement so only one tube is smashed. I’ll take it to get fixed after I’ve eaten.
Stella: Oh well that’s a relief honey.
[Stella hands Stanley a cup of coffee, Stanley drinks it while staring lovingly at Stella]
Stanley: Thanks baby. Look at the time, I should get changed.
[Stanley walks towards the bedroom while undressing he leaves his pyjamas on the bedroom floor.]
Stanley: Where did Blanche go last night?
Stella: I guess she didn’t want to disturb us, I think she stayed with Eunice. She’ll be fine I think Mitch was looking out for her.
Stanley: Mitch? Why would that fool do that?!
Stella: Well, err he was just being nice I guess. I think a guy like Mitch might be good for Blanche. She’s had such a tough time by herself; Mitch would be the perfect guy to look out for her.
Stanley: Well it doesn’t matter either way she’s leaving soon, right?
Stella: I’m not too sure honey.
[From inside the bedroom out of Stella view he looks up at the ceiling and sighs]
Stanley: Once the baby comes there won’t be a lot of space for her as well as the baby. I could buy her a ticket if she can’t afford one.
Stella: Don’t be so mean Stanley, she’ll be leaving when she feels it’s time.
Stanley: Well it best be soon.
[He walks out of the bedroom and kisses Stella]
Stella: I love you honey.
[Stanley hands Stella a ten dollar bill]
Stella: What’s this for?
Stanley: I’m sorry about yesterday, things just got out of hand we were drinking and I just kashed out. You know that you’re my entire world right?
Stella: I know. And you’re mine.
[Stanley takes the radio and walks out the door]
Stanley: I’ll see you later baby.
www your commentary and analysis is good, I like the way that you make reference to other parts of the play to justify and develop your argument. There is some better use of quotation to support (though not enough analysis of them).
ReplyDeleteebi the paragraph on desire isn't clear enough in expression or analysis, all the elements are there but the overall effect is confusing.
when you ref outside of the text fragment you should attempt to find the actual quotation to support your case. So with the word 'kindness' - the mention of this abstract noun here in context with Mitch - a stranger to her, prefigures her last line she 'always relied on the kindness of strangers'.
www your scene writing draws well on the text and both demonstrates knowledge of the play and also clearly shows some understanding of the characters and relationship.
ReplyDeleteebi perhaps you could have been bolder, more definite and energetic with the stage directions in an effort to create atmosphere in the flat. Think about how Williams uses sound and sight to help create effects. Also maybe think about how the shadow of the previous nights events might effect the dialogue.
www:Good attempt in reflecting Stella's personality through her sorrow towards Blanche.Furthermore,there is good evidence of the previous incident that occured through the incident that occured last night.
ReplyDeleteEBI-Perhaps a little misunderstanding of Stanley's voice, and character'You are my entire world'.Despite his love towards Stella, his chauvinnistic attitudes towards the sisters are still apparent.
im Jealous you have more comments then me.
ReplyDeletebut im still going to try and be nice and write a comment for you.
you used good vocabulary and related to the context a lot , you made the conversation very realistic. you also showed us Stella and Stanleys personalitys and there is reflection on the night before :)
www: creative, related language with the characters persona
ReplyDeleteebi: according to sir, you should link to how Williams uses sound