A Streetcar Named Desire Response #14

Discuss the expressionist elements that Williams uses in Scenes Ten and Eleven. What do they suggest about what Blanche is thinking and feeling?

The expressionist elements that Williams uses focus around violence and aggression, like Expressionist of the time focused on, but as well with the absence of reality and the focus on fantasy. In Scene Ten and Eleven we see both of these expressionist elements come to life. One example I can think that centers around the use if of violence and aggression takes place in Scene Ten, when Stanley rapes Blanche. This scene is extremely vulgar; Stanley doesn't like being evaluated or looked upon as "common", he isn't a "dumb" man, yet Blanche makes that connection with him frequently. This scene has a lot to do with the assertion of power and dominance. Stanley has the impression that Blanche is trying to assert her power and take control of the house. This is Stanley's true way of doing that. Also, a connection to expressionism lies with the idea of fantasy and make-believe. In Scene Ten, Blanche dresses up as if she is attending some formal gala with possible suitors. It is all in her mind however. These elements suggest and lead us to believe that Blanche is slowly unwinding further into her madness.