Desire in "A Streetcar Named Desire": 3 Unfulfilled Longings

In Tennessee Williams' iconic play, "A Streetcar Named Desire," desire permeates the lives of its characters, shaping their choices and driving the narrative. This article delves into three unfulfilled desires that lie at the heart of the play and their profound impact on the characters.

1. Blanche Dubois' Desire for Refinement and Security

Blanche Dubois, a fading Southern belle, yearns for a life of elegance and stability. She sees her sister Stella's marriage to Stanley as a secure haven, a sanctuary away from the harsh realities of her own past. However, her refined sensibilities clash with Stanley's brutish and animalistic nature. Despite her attempts to maintain her façade, Blanche's inner turmoil and unfulfilled desire for refinement ultimately lead to her downfall.

2. Stella Kowalski's Desire for Stability and Acceptance

Stella Kowalski, Blanche's younger sister, desires a simple and stable life. She finds solace in her marriage to Stanley, despite his volatile and often violent behavior. Stella's desire for stability blinds her to Stanley's true nature and the potential threats he poses to her and her child. Her unfulfilled desire for acceptance and protection ultimately leads to her resignation and submission.

3. Stanley Kowalski's Desire for Dominance and Control

Stanley Kowalski, a crude and possessive man, desires absolute control over his surroundings. He sees Blanche as a threat to his authority and exerts his dominance through physical and psychological intimidation. Stanley's unfulfilled desire for power and control ultimately isolates him from his peers and damages his relationship with Stella.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Analyzing Desire in "A Streetcar Named Desire"

• Overlooking the symbolic significance of the streetcar: The streetcar is a recurring symbol throughout the play, representing Blanche's journey away from her past and her search for a new beginning. Failing to understand its symbolism can lead to a superficial interpretation of the play.
• Reducing characters to stereotypes: Blanche, Stella, and Stanley are complex characters with nuanced motivations. Labeling them as simply "crazy," "submissive," or "abusive" overlooks the intricate web of desire and disappointment that drives their actions.
• Ignoring the role of setting: The play is set in the oppressive and stifling environment of the Kowalski apartment. Understanding the impact of this environment on the characters' desires is crucial to appreciating the play's themes.

Why Desire Matters in "A Streetcar Named Desire"

• Unfulfilled desires drive the plot: The characters' unfulfilled desires create tension and conflict, propelling the narrative forward. Without these desires, the play would lack its dramatic intensity and emotional resonance.
• Desires reveal character flaws and motivations: The characters' unfulfilled desires expose their deepest vulnerabilities and motivations. Analyzing their desires provides insight into their psychological makeup and the choices they make.
• Desires shape the play's themes: The play explores themes related to desire, illusion, and the consequences of unfulfilled longing. Understanding the characters' desires is essential to unraveling these complex themes.

Benefits of Analyzing Desire in "A Streetcar Named Desire"

• Enhanced understanding of character motivation: By analyzing desire, readers and audiences gain a deeper understanding of why the characters act the way they do.
• Appreciation of the play's themes: Unpacking the characters' desires helps illuminate the play's central themes, providing a richer and more meaningful interpretation.
• Critical thinking and empathy: Analyzing desire fosters critical thinking skills and encourages empathy towards the characters as their desires, motivations, and struggles come to light.

Pros and Cons of Desire in "A Streetcar Named Desire"

Pros:

• Drives the plot and creates dramatic tension
• Reveals character flaws and motivations
• Explores complex and universal themes

Cons:

• Can lead to unfulfilled expectations and disappointment
• Creates conflict and isolation
• Can be destructive if not properly managed

Conclusion

Desire is a powerful force that shapes the lives of the characters in "A Streetcar Named Desire." Unfulfilled desires create tension, drive the plot, and reveal the characters' deepest vulnerabilities. By understanding the role of desire in the play, readers and audiences can gain a deeper appreciation of its themes and characters, and explore the complex and often destructive consequences of unfulfilled longing.

Tables

Table 1: Unfulfilled Desires of the Main Characters

Table 2: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Analyzing Desire in "A Streetcar Named Desire"

Table 3: Benefits of Analyzing Desire in "A Streetcar Named Desire"

Table 4: Pros and Cons of Desire in "A Streetcar Named Desire"