A Streetcar Named Desire Response #6

Describe Blanche's birthday party in Scene Eight. What birthday present does Stanley give her? Why does Stanley want Blanche to leave? How is her presence changing his marriage? How does he hope his marriage will be after Blanche is gone? Discuss the importance of sexuality and desire for Stanley. How is this evident at other points in the play?

Blanche's birthday party in Scene Eight is awkward. Mitch didn't show up and the tension between Blanche and Stanley has escalated. Stanley ends up giving Blanche a bus ticket to leave New Orleans. Stanley wants Blanche to leave because his marriage is falling apart and he is blaming due to the lies and deceit on Blanche's part that it is her fault. The presence of Blanche is causing his marriage to be torn between what he believes and the connection between Stella and Stanley. Stanley hopes that his marriage will return to normal after Blanche is gone, the way that it used to be. Stanley and Stella's relationship is purely passion and sexually driven. It is lust. When Stanley punched Stella after the poker game, she goes to stay with Eunice but realizes that she can not stay away from the passion she feels towards Stanley.








What changes might someone notice in the relationship between Stella and Stanley? Between Blanche and Stanley?

Stella and Stanley initially started their relationship madly in love and agreeable. Now, they are fighting all the time yet still show that passion that was initially in the relationship. Stanley was initially wary of Blanche and her intentions but now he wants her gone. He is sick of her lies and deceit, sick of her ruining his marriage, and sick of how she demeans him.