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Character Analysis: A Streetcar Named Desire By Tennessee Williams

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“A Streetcar Named Desire” written by Tennessee Williams, introduces a self-centered, southern belle, Blanche DuBois who is exposed to the cruel reality that exists in New Orleans. Blanche, the deceptive picture of purity, is giving an unexpected visit to her sister, Stella, and brother in law, Stanley, who immediately demonstrate some doubts about her staying with them. Throughout the tragic story, Tennessee Williams develops Blanche as having a mental illness, escalated by the loss of family and her home and Stanley’s cruel treatment. Through Blanche DuBois’ prosperous background, insecure actions, and surreptitious manner, she develops as a dynamic character that like a tragic hero she eventually causes her own decline. The DuBois family is described as a well-off family, living in the Mississippi plantation of Belle Reve. This prosperous background is portrayed through both Stella and Blanche’s actions, which are a little more refined than the rest of the of the characters. In fact, Blanche acts rather privileged due to this. For example, Blanche expresses her affinity for being waited on, her expectations of compliments, and she soaks for hours in the bathtub disregarding others need for it. In fact, even as she enters Stella and Stanley’s home, she expresses her disdain for how small and cramped it is. Then, disregarding the fact that she was not invited and is living completely off Stanley’s salary, Blanche insults him at every chance she has, calling him names like

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