The 1950s was a crazy time in America, where life was good for many and change happened everywhere. It was a time of freedom that many had not known before. It was a time of the old way of life clashing with the new way. It was a time of great change and much unrest. In Tennessee William’s play, A Streetcar Named Desire, we see the themes of desire, freedom, old vs. new and unrest play out before us, the audience.
Many people talk about Stanley and Blanche and all they represent. Since they are the main characters of the play, this makes sense. However, in this piece I want to focus on Stella. She has a semi-minor role, but it is important. Both Stanley and Blanche’s desire for Stella drives the action in this play. One must ask an important question when studying Stella DuBois Kowalski:
What is Stella’s Desire?
At first read through, one could answer this question very basically and say, Stella desires freedom and Stanley. This is true and it can be said these are her driving forces. However, I believe Stella above all desires freedom-from everyone and everything. She doesn’t want to have any responsibilities; she just wants to run around and do what she wants. She has this freedom for a little while, when it is just her and Stanley. But then Blanche comes along to ruin it. I’m sure Stanley probably hit Stella before Blanche shows up, but when she does, Stanley’s violence escalates. He fears losing ownership over Stella; he doesn’t want his possession to be taken away. I believe that Stella also desires Stanley. He is described as a fit and handsome man. They have an almost animalistic sexual relationship. After being hit and running upstairs, Stella still comes back to Stanley. Williams describes in the stage directions on page 60, that Stella and Stanley “stare at each other. Then they come together with low, animal moans…He snatches the screen door open and lifts her off her feet and bears her into the dark flat.” From there, it’s up to the audiences imagination what exactly happens.
In the end of the play, Stella decides to stay with Stanley. The movie differs from the play in this aspect wherein the movie, Stella says that she is never going back to him. However, where else would Stella go? She doesn’t have any family, her family home is gone, she has no money of her own, and a baby to care for. She is stuck. Her freedom is gone because she is now stuck in a marriage with a man who beats her and has raped her sister. Stella’s desire for freedom is snatched away and she ends up in a cage.
Work Cited
Williams, Tennessee. A Streetcar Named Desire. 25th Anniversary Ed. Signet Book. 1947. New York.