Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" explores stereotypical... Show more
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29 Jun 2022
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Gender Roles and Patriarchy in 'A Streetcar Named Desire': Essay on Stanley, Mitch, and Blanche
J
Jane
@jane_dggm
Animalistic Portrayal of Stanley
While Stanley exhibits many traits of a stereotypical American male, Williams' characterization goes beyond this stereotype by portraying him as an animalistic predator.
The author uses specific verbs such as "stalks," "prowled," and "crept stealthily" to depict Stanley as a creature that is somewhat sub-human. This portrayal challenges the notion of a typical American male and adds depth to Stanley's character.
Example: The stage directions often describe Stanley's movements using predatory terms, emphasizing his animalistic nature.
Williams' choice to present Stanley in this manner serves to highlight the primal and potentially dangerous aspects of unchecked masculinity in society. This characterization also creates a stark contrast between Stanley and the more refined, albeit flawed, character of Blanche.
Definition: Animalistic - Characterized by or resembling the behavior or qualities of animals, especially in being physical or instinctive.
The animalistic portrayal of Stanley adds a layer of complexity to the play's exploration of gender roles and power dynamics. It suggests that the stereotypical American male ideal may be more savage and less civilized than society would like to admit.
Highlight: The contrast between Stanley's animalistic nature and Blanche's attempts at refinement underscores the clash of cultures and values in the play.
This characterization also serves to intensify the sense of threat and tension throughout the play, particularly in Stanley's interactions with Blanche. It contributes to the overall atmosphere of unease and impending tragedy that permeates "A Streetcar Named Desire."
Mitch's Complex Character
Mitch, while sharing some traits with the stereotypical American male, is presented as a more nuanced character with Southern gentleman qualities and moments of vulnerability.
Quote: "Poker should never be played in a house with women."
Despite Mitch's seemingly protective stance towards women, as evidenced by the above quote, he ultimately conforms to many of the stereotypical male behaviors present in the play. His participation in the poker games and his eventual attempt to take advantage of Blanche sexually demonstrate this conformity.
However, Mitch's character is distinguished from Stanley's in several ways:
- Southern Beau traits: Mitch exhibits some characteristics of a Southern gentleman, particularly in his initial interactions with Blanche.
- Vulnerability: Unlike Stanley, Mitch shows moments of emotional vulnerability, particularly regarding his relationship with his mother.
- Hesitation: While Mitch does attempt to assert dominance over Blanche, he is unable to go to the same extremes as Stanley, suggesting a more conflicted nature.
Highlight: Mitch's character serves as a bridge between the refined world Blanche represents and the raw masculinity embodied by Stanley.
The complexity of Mitch's character adds depth to the play's exploration of masculinity and gender roles. His struggle between conforming to societal expectations of male behavior and his own gentler inclinations reflects the broader tensions present in the society of the time.
Example: Mitch's initial courtship of Blanche contrasts sharply with his later aggressive behavior, illustrating the internal conflict between his genuine feelings and societal pressures.
By presenting Mitch as a more nuanced character, Williams invites the audience to consider the various facets of masculinity and the pressures faced by men to conform to stereotypical roles in 1940s America.
Stanley and Mitch as Stereotypical American Males
Tennessee Williams characterizes Stanley and Mitch as stereotypical American males to varying degrees in "A Streetcar Named Desire." However, neither character fully embodies this stereotype due to Williams' nuanced portrayal.
Highlight: The poker motif symbolizes the exclusion of women and the glorification of male superiority in 1940s American society.
The repeated use of poker as a motif throughout the play serves to illustrate the "game of life" and the exclusion of women from male-dominated spaces. Mitch's statement, "Poker should never be played in a house with women," reveals the underlying misogyny present in their society. This motif reinforces the idea of male superiority and the traditional social hierarchy of the time.
Quote: "And with that crazy crown! What kind of Queen do you think you are!"
Stanley's dialogue near the end of the play further emphasizes the social hierarchy, with his self-perception as "the king around here" highlighting the power dynamics between men and women in their microcosm of American society.
The play also explores how these stereotypical American males respond to feelings of intimidation from women by resorting to physical force. Stanley's domestic abuse of Stella and both Stanley and Mitch's attempts to sexually take advantage of Blanche demonstrate this pattern of behavior.
Vocabulary: Microcosm - A community, place, or situation regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristics of something much larger.
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Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Gender Roles and Patriarchy in 'A Streetcar Named Desire': Essay on Stanley, Mitch, and Blanche
J
Jane
@jane_dggm
Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" explores stereotypical gender roles and their patriarchal effects through the characters of Stanley and Mitch. The play delves into themes of masculinity, femininity, and power dynamics in 1940s America.
Key points:... Show more
Animalistic Portrayal of Stanley
While Stanley exhibits many traits of a stereotypical American male, Williams' characterization goes beyond this stereotype by portraying him as an animalistic predator.
The author uses specific verbs such as "stalks," "prowled," and "crept stealthily" to depict Stanley as a creature that is somewhat sub-human. This portrayal challenges the notion of a typical American male and adds depth to Stanley's character.
Example: The stage directions often describe Stanley's movements using predatory terms, emphasizing his animalistic nature.
Williams' choice to present Stanley in this manner serves to highlight the primal and potentially dangerous aspects of unchecked masculinity in society. This characterization also creates a stark contrast between Stanley and the more refined, albeit flawed, character of Blanche.
Definition: Animalistic - Characterized by or resembling the behavior or qualities of animals, especially in being physical or instinctive.
The animalistic portrayal of Stanley adds a layer of complexity to the play's exploration of gender roles and power dynamics. It suggests that the stereotypical American male ideal may be more savage and less civilized than society would like to admit.
Highlight: The contrast between Stanley's animalistic nature and Blanche's attempts at refinement underscores the clash of cultures and values in the play.
This characterization also serves to intensify the sense of threat and tension throughout the play, particularly in Stanley's interactions with Blanche. It contributes to the overall atmosphere of unease and impending tragedy that permeates "A Streetcar Named Desire."
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Mitch's Complex Character
Mitch, while sharing some traits with the stereotypical American male, is presented as a more nuanced character with Southern gentleman qualities and moments of vulnerability.
Quote: "Poker should never be played in a house with women."
Despite Mitch's seemingly protective stance towards women, as evidenced by the above quote, he ultimately conforms to many of the stereotypical male behaviors present in the play. His participation in the poker games and his eventual attempt to take advantage of Blanche sexually demonstrate this conformity.
However, Mitch's character is distinguished from Stanley's in several ways:
- Southern Beau traits: Mitch exhibits some characteristics of a Southern gentleman, particularly in his initial interactions with Blanche.
- Vulnerability: Unlike Stanley, Mitch shows moments of emotional vulnerability, particularly regarding his relationship with his mother.
- Hesitation: While Mitch does attempt to assert dominance over Blanche, he is unable to go to the same extremes as Stanley, suggesting a more conflicted nature.
Highlight: Mitch's character serves as a bridge between the refined world Blanche represents and the raw masculinity embodied by Stanley.
The complexity of Mitch's character adds depth to the play's exploration of masculinity and gender roles. His struggle between conforming to societal expectations of male behavior and his own gentler inclinations reflects the broader tensions present in the society of the time.
Example: Mitch's initial courtship of Blanche contrasts sharply with his later aggressive behavior, illustrating the internal conflict between his genuine feelings and societal pressures.
By presenting Mitch as a more nuanced character, Williams invites the audience to consider the various facets of masculinity and the pressures faced by men to conform to stereotypical roles in 1940s America.
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Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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Stanley and Mitch as Stereotypical American Males
Tennessee Williams characterizes Stanley and Mitch as stereotypical American males to varying degrees in "A Streetcar Named Desire." However, neither character fully embodies this stereotype due to Williams' nuanced portrayal.
Highlight: The poker motif symbolizes the exclusion of women and the glorification of male superiority in 1940s American society.
The repeated use of poker as a motif throughout the play serves to illustrate the "game of life" and the exclusion of women from male-dominated spaces. Mitch's statement, "Poker should never be played in a house with women," reveals the underlying misogyny present in their society. This motif reinforces the idea of male superiority and the traditional social hierarchy of the time.
Quote: "And with that crazy crown! What kind of Queen do you think you are!"
Stanley's dialogue near the end of the play further emphasizes the social hierarchy, with his self-perception as "the king around here" highlighting the power dynamics between men and women in their microcosm of American society.
The play also explores how these stereotypical American males respond to feelings of intimidation from women by resorting to physical force. Stanley's domestic abuse of Stella and both Stanley and Mitch's attempts to sexually take advantage of Blanche demonstrate this pattern of behavior.
Vocabulary: Microcosm - A community, place, or situation regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristics of something much larger.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user