Page 2: Stella's Vulnerability and Domestic Power Dynamics
The dramatic presentation of vulnerability in A Streetcar Named Desire continues through Stella's character, whose vulnerability manifests differently from her sister's. Her relationship with Stanley reveals the complex interplay of love, dependency, and abuse.
Highlight: Stella's vulnerability is multifaceted, encompassing economic dependence, emotional manipulation, and physical abuse.
Example: Stanley's pattern of violence is normalized through Stella's observation that he has "always smashed things," revealing her psychological entrapment.
Definition: Ribald humor - Vulgar or irreverently humorous content, used by Williams to highlight the crude nature of Stanley's attempts to buy forgiveness.
The text explores how economic dependency amplifies emotional vulnerability, with Stanley using money as a tool of control, giving Stella "few dollars to smooth it over" after violent episodes.