A Streetcar Named Desire Manipulation Essay

Manipulation can be used in both positive and negative ways. One example of manipulation being used would be when people are forming their identities. Individuals can make themselves appear a certain way to others. A Streetcar Named Desire explores the topic of identity, especially through a character named Blanche DuBois. As she continues to live with her sister, Stella, and brother-in-law, Stanley, Blanche’s identity becomes warped when she cannot manipulate people’s perceptions of her. Through A Streetcar Named Desire and “A Daily

Joy to Be Alive,” it becomes evident that appearances and a dependence on others for something can have a large influence on how identity can be shaped by an individual and how greatly it has an effect on identity.

Identity is controlled by the wants and needs of an individual so they can be seen in a particular way by themselves or others.

The extent to which people can shape their own identities is greatly debated. Some say that people do not have the ability to do so. People can try to do so, but it may fail. For example, in A Streetcar Named Desire, Mitch says, “I don’t mind you being older than what I thought. But all the rest of it-Christ!...Oh, I knew you weren’t sixteen any more. But I was fool enough to believe you were straight” (Scene 9, Page 145). At first, Mitch falls for her facade.

She had successfully portrayed herself in a light she had wanted to be seen in. As time goes on,

Mitch discovers her secret, meaning that she is now seen in a different light than previously.

Blanche had tried to change her identity, but it failed. People may say that this greatly shows how individuals cannot shape their own identities, as people will always have a perception of you that is different from your own. Although partly true, an individual’s sense of their own identity will remain unchanged to them, as they still have control of how they view themselves, or at the very least, how anyone else could view them, Even after Mitch discovers

She even says, “I think of myself as a very, very rich woman! But I have been foolish-casting my pearls before swine!” (Scene 10, Page 156). Keeping up this part of her story and identity for herself and for others allows her to control her identity, even after knowing that someone knows the truth. It does not matter what other people think, someone’s identity will be significant and true to themselves as long as they stay consisten with it. Identity can be influenced by others, but it is ultimately controlled by one person, allowing it to be shaped and molded however they choose.

Identities can be very malleable. They are shaped to fit the goals of one person, but can be influenced by others if one allows them to have significant influence. There are many factors that can go into how identity can be shaped, such as appearance and dependence. These personal factors will be different for everyone, but will ultimately allow identity to be formed around these ideals. Identity can be greatly shaped by the individual by determination and perseverance.

Works Cited

Baca, Jimmy Santiago. “A Daily Joy to Be Alive.

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Williams, Tennessee. A Streetcar Named Desire. New Directions,