Security In A Streetcar Named Desire

Skyscraping Security
I. Introduction

Height is defined as distance upward from a given level, while security is defined as being free from danger. Many would argue these two terms as antonyms, as the term “grounded” is defined as having a sense of stability. While their literal definitions don’t match, their figurative meanings propose a proximity in symbolism. Height and security are ultimately one and the same. This essay seeks to explore the author’s usage of height as a mechanism to relay a character’s security. Specifically, the height of a character’s environment indicates said character’s amount of security. In the novel A Streetcar Named Desire, Williams uses Steve and Eunice’s apartment as safehouse for Stella and Blanche in both the play and 1951 film adaptation. In Baby Face, Lily’s endeavor towards the top of the bank directly relates to her financial safety. Additionally, the unknown and depth of the “tower” in Annihilation pertain to the safeguard of the biologist. Similarly, Rapunzel’s tower in Tangled

First, Blanche agitated Stanley by turning on the radio, and Stella tried to defend her sister. To escape the “lunacy” (Williams 57) of inebriated Stanley, Blanche suggest Stella “go to that woman’s upstairs”. Stella then runs away to escape the “Drunk--drunk--animal thing” (Williams 57) and gains height in her setting by going to Eunice and Steve’s apartment above. In said situation, she gained haven by freeing herself of dangers. When Stella went upstairs she gained control of her situation. Secondly, when Stanley rapes Blanche, he exerts his dominance by standing over her. Blanche “sinks to her knees” (Williams 131) and loses control. Because she is physically lower than him, she is endangered in the situation. She is “in danger” and cannot find safety in such a vulnerable situation where Stanley presents immediate