2003, Form B. Novels and plays often depict characters caught between colliding cultures--national, regional, ethnic, religious, institutional. Such collisions can call a character's sense of identity into question. Select a novel or play in which a character responds to such a cultural collision. Then write a essay in which you describe the character's response and explain its relevance to the work as a whole.
A Streetcar Named Desire revolves around the idea of colliding cultures. It is not only cultures colliding with each other, but the ideals and morals inside the culture that causes certain responses to opposing cultures cultures. This is the case of Blanche Dubois, the classic southern belle. In A Streetcar Named Desire. It revolves around a culture clash between Blanche Dubois and Stanley Kowalski, but more importantly, the old south vs. the new south. Blanche Dubois represents the dying south; the old morals and ideals, fancy attire, and rich lifestyle. On the opposite side you have Stanley Kowalski, the brawny, blue collared worker who married Stella, Blanche's sister. He represents the new south; the hustle and bustle, the change, the hardworking, and common individuals. Throughout the play, cultural and social issues and collisions have deep and resounding impacts on the characters around them, and Blanche Dubois is a fantastic example in A Streetcar Named Desire and what it stands for in terms of colliding cultures.
Already in Scene One of A Streetcar Named Desire, we get an idea of who Blanche Dubois is and who she represents as a culture and person. We are introduced to a woman of a faded society; Blanche Dubois is a sophisticated, educated, and beautiful woman who has found herself in a mentally and physically rough situation. She lost the family mansion and plantation, Belle Reve. This is immediately where we begin to see a cultural collision. Blanche is forced to rely on her younger sister, Stella Dubois. It is commonly the older sisters job to look out and keep watch of her younger sister because she is the older and more experienced one. However, this is not the case and is setting the scene for the tension that is to arise. Arriving in New Orleans, cultures begin colliding. She is unprotected; she no longer has the gold and the decadence that Belle Reve supplied for her, she is on her own in a society that she is unaccustomed to. She is surrounded by vulgarity, dirt, work, and people she normally would never associate herself with. Another culture clash by Blanche occurs between her seeing Stella's house. She is appalled at the house, it is far too simplistic for Blanche's liking. She looks down upon it. Much like she looks down on changing. Blanche is opposed to change. She was raised upon a certain set of ideals and bred specifically to follow them.
Time and time again in this play it comes down to survival, and even in this case of cultures it occurs there. Blanche slowly starts to slip into madness, but the more and more she begins to slip into madness the more and more Blanche Dubois relies on the past. This is a cultural mistake. The worse thing for Blanche Dubois to do is to sink back into more of her past life when her goal should be focusing on the life in the new south. It is later a detriment to her. The inability of her to forget the past and dwell on the past, much like Jay Gatsby, leads to her demise and fall of sanity.
Another culture clash lies within Stanley Kowalski, he is the definition of a new southern. He is all brawn, hard-working, and vulgar. He doesn't take extravagance or fluff, which is what Blanche is. She represents fantasy and magic, not realism. Stanley is purely realistic. This culture clash between the two leads to constant head butting and accusing, until the sole root of their relationship towards each other is destruction. In the end, Stanley wins; validating the fact in this changing society you can either adapt to the changing culture and survive or die in the old culture that is a fragment of what it used to be.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
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.
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.
A Streetcar Named Desire Response #15
The play includes many stage directions referring to music. What music and songs are present in the first three scenes (e.g. "the blue piano")? What is the significance of that music? In what ways is it symbolic? How does the music relate to the characters?
The significance of the music that Tennessee Williams uses in the stage directions and throughout the play are to establish the mood in the scenes. For example, the "Varsouviana", the polka tune, sets the mood of what is happening with Blanche. The more that we encounter the polka tune the more we are aware of how unstable and driven mad Blanche is becoming. It is symbolic in the case that she first heard it when her husband committed suicide. The repeated tune reminds her of her guilt; she feels that she is the reason he committed suicide and that it is her fault he is dead. She can't escape the suicide and she can't escape the haunting polka tune. The other example of music lies in Scene Seven, Blanche is in the bathtub singing "Paper Moon". This is symbolic because the whole song is about fantasy and make believe. Blanche surrounds herself in this fantasy driven life because the real world is too harsh and realistic. The blue piano is symbolic to lust and involved with scenes of intense passion, for example, like in Scene Three where Stella, after getting hit by Stanley, goes back to him and they embrace with intense passion. Or, in Scene 10, when Blanche gets raped by Stanley, the blue piano is playing in the background as she is being assaulted.
The significance of the music that Tennessee Williams uses in the stage directions and throughout the play are to establish the mood in the scenes. For example, the "Varsouviana", the polka tune, sets the mood of what is happening with Blanche. The more that we encounter the polka tune the more we are aware of how unstable and driven mad Blanche is becoming. It is symbolic in the case that she first heard it when her husband committed suicide. The repeated tune reminds her of her guilt; she feels that she is the reason he committed suicide and that it is her fault he is dead. She can't escape the suicide and she can't escape the haunting polka tune. The other example of music lies in Scene Seven, Blanche is in the bathtub singing "Paper Moon". This is symbolic because the whole song is about fantasy and make believe. Blanche surrounds herself in this fantasy driven life because the real world is too harsh and realistic. The blue piano is symbolic to lust and involved with scenes of intense passion, for example, like in Scene Three where Stella, after getting hit by Stanley, goes back to him and they embrace with intense passion. Or, in Scene 10, when Blanche gets raped by Stanley, the blue piano is playing in the background as she is being assaulted.
Monday, November 17, 2014
A Streetcar Named Desire Response #13
How does Blanche initially respond to the Doctor and the Matron? Why does she later offer her hands to the Doctor? What does Blanche mean when she says, "Whoever you are, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers"? Describe the relationship between Stanley and Stella at the end of the play, after Blanche has left.
Blanche initially responds to the Doctor and the Matron in anger and fear, she was expecting Shep Huntleigh to come and rescue her but instead this woman and man who she has never seen before come to take her away. She refuses to let them take her, until the Doctor talks to her. Once the Doctor talks to her, the dynamic changes. She trusts him because he shows her kindness and attention. Blanche means by the famous quote that she is not an inner confident person, she is vulnerable, fragile and delicate, and whether it be from some young man showing her kindness or an old Doctor that is sealing her fate, depending on kindness has gotten her through life in a world that has constantly been trying to tear her down. Stella is heartbroken; she is crying as Blanche leaves and who is there to comfort her--Stanley. She goes back to Stanley, he consoles her, tells her reassuring things like "love" and she takes his embrace. I think despite everything Stella and Stanley will remain together, for a while at least, because of the passion they have for each other.
Blanche initially responds to the Doctor and the Matron in anger and fear, she was expecting Shep Huntleigh to come and rescue her but instead this woman and man who she has never seen before come to take her away. She refuses to let them take her, until the Doctor talks to her. Once the Doctor talks to her, the dynamic changes. She trusts him because he shows her kindness and attention. Blanche means by the famous quote that she is not an inner confident person, she is vulnerable, fragile and delicate, and whether it be from some young man showing her kindness or an old Doctor that is sealing her fate, depending on kindness has gotten her through life in a world that has constantly been trying to tear her down. Stella is heartbroken; she is crying as Blanche leaves and who is there to comfort her--Stanley. She goes back to Stanley, he consoles her, tells her reassuring things like "love" and she takes his embrace. I think despite everything Stella and Stanley will remain together, for a while at least, because of the passion they have for each other.
A Streetcar Named Desire Response #12
Scene Eleven begins with another poker game. This time Stanley is winning and Mitch is losing. Is this significant? Does the card game also have possible symbolic meaning? Describe how the relationship between Stanley and Mitch has changed.
The significance of Mitch losing and Stanley winning is quite significant. At the beginning, Stanley was losing and Mitch was winning, now after the whole relationship filled with lies and deceit from Blanche, Mitch is now down. Stanley got what he wanted; he wanted to see Blanche destroyed, he wanted Blanche to pay for every time he was insulted, he wanted Blanche out of his house. He got all of those things in the end. Stanley had the pleasure of seeing her leave for the insane asylum and never interfering in his and Stella's life again. The relationship between Stanley and Mitch has changed, initially they were friends but Mitch being a pawn in the game between Stanley and Blanche has caused tension. After seeing Blanche sent to the insane asylum at the end and breaking down, I don't think that Mitch will be the same. Mitch has to know that Stanley arranged that, so I think after that happened they won't be the same.
The significance of Mitch losing and Stanley winning is quite significant. At the beginning, Stanley was losing and Mitch was winning, now after the whole relationship filled with lies and deceit from Blanche, Mitch is now down. Stanley got what he wanted; he wanted to see Blanche destroyed, he wanted Blanche to pay for every time he was insulted, he wanted Blanche out of his house. He got all of those things in the end. Stanley had the pleasure of seeing her leave for the insane asylum and never interfering in his and Stella's life again. The relationship between Stanley and Mitch has changed, initially they were friends but Mitch being a pawn in the game between Stanley and Blanche has caused tension. After seeing Blanche sent to the insane asylum at the end and breaking down, I don't think that Mitch will be the same. Mitch has to know that Stanley arranged that, so I think after that happened they won't be the same.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
A Streetcar Named Desire Response #11
What happens between Blanche and Stanley at the end of Scene Ten? What results of this are evident in Scene Eleven? Why has Blanch gone mad? Where is she being sent? Why has Stella decided to send Blanche there? Has Stanley and Stella's marriage changed?
At the end of Scene Ten, Stanley and Blanche have another confrontation, this confrontation has a much different outcome this time. Stanley rapes Blanche at the end of Scene Ten. Results of the rape are evident in how Stella is packing Blanche's belongings, how Blanche yet again is in the bath and bathing herself, checking to make sure the men are in the room playing poker. Blanche has gone mad because of the constant fear of Stanley Kowalski, the environment she has been trapped in, the fading age, the fading beauty, the hardship of life, the prostitution secret, the young boy that she feels that she killed, the loss of Belle Reve, the constant death she had to witness, the lack of protection and money she has. A lot of factors have led to Blanche's madness. She was a bomb waiting to explode. She is being sent to an insane asylum because Stella took Stanley's side over the rape rather than Blanche's and she thinks that it will be the best for her family and Blanche herself. I think that Stella and Stanley's relationship has changed because Stella was a pawn for both Stanley and Blanche. Being a pawn in both of the relationships caused stress between Stella and Stanley, so I don't think that their relationship will ever be the same.
At the end of Scene Ten, Stanley and Blanche have another confrontation, this confrontation has a much different outcome this time. Stanley rapes Blanche at the end of Scene Ten. Results of the rape are evident in how Stella is packing Blanche's belongings, how Blanche yet again is in the bath and bathing herself, checking to make sure the men are in the room playing poker. Blanche has gone mad because of the constant fear of Stanley Kowalski, the environment she has been trapped in, the fading age, the fading beauty, the hardship of life, the prostitution secret, the young boy that she feels that she killed, the loss of Belle Reve, the constant death she had to witness, the lack of protection and money she has. A lot of factors have led to Blanche's madness. She was a bomb waiting to explode. She is being sent to an insane asylum because Stella took Stanley's side over the rape rather than Blanche's and she thinks that it will be the best for her family and Blanche herself. I think that Stella and Stanley's relationship has changed because Stella was a pawn for both Stanley and Blanche. Being a pawn in both of the relationships caused stress between Stella and Stanley, so I don't think that their relationship will ever be the same.
A Streetcar Named Desire Response #10
In Scene Ten, Blanche and Stanley are alone in the apartment. Why is Stella not present? Blanche again mentions Shep Huntleigh. He, too, has taken on a symbolic meaning for Blanche. What does he represent to her? Why does she tell Stanley a lie about Shep Huntleigh? What does Stanley mean when he asks Blanche, "Shall we bury the hatchet and make it a loving-cup"? Why does Blanche say no?
The reason that Stella is not present is because she is in labor and going to have a baby. I think that Shep Huntleigh is an escape for Blanche. He represents the better days of the past, a time where she was still young and beautiful and the world had not tainted her yet. He represents an escape from reality to Blanche. Blanche wants "magic" and "make-believe", while Shep Huntleigh probably did exist, Blanche has not communicated with him in forever. Shep is purely a man who is an escape from New Orleans for Blanche. Blanche lies to Stanley about Shep Huntleigh because she knows that Stanley wants her out immediately, she is threatened by him. Also, it may not be a lie in her eyes, I think at this point her mental stability is gone and she truly believes Shep is going to come. Stanley means sexual advances by "Shall we bury the hatchet and make it a loving-cup?". He doesn't mean to make amends, he knows that Blanche will feel uncomfortable with him asserting his dominance and that is why he makes sexual advances towards her. Blanche says no because in this case she is the prey and he is the predator, she is already terrified of him, and this rape scene pushes her over the edge. She doesn't want to be viewed as a "fallen woman" who gives her love to anyone, especially her sister's husband.
The reason that Stella is not present is because she is in labor and going to have a baby. I think that Shep Huntleigh is an escape for Blanche. He represents the better days of the past, a time where she was still young and beautiful and the world had not tainted her yet. He represents an escape from reality to Blanche. Blanche wants "magic" and "make-believe", while Shep Huntleigh probably did exist, Blanche has not communicated with him in forever. Shep is purely a man who is an escape from New Orleans for Blanche. Blanche lies to Stanley about Shep Huntleigh because she knows that Stanley wants her out immediately, she is threatened by him. Also, it may not be a lie in her eyes, I think at this point her mental stability is gone and she truly believes Shep is going to come. Stanley means sexual advances by "Shall we bury the hatchet and make it a loving-cup?". He doesn't mean to make amends, he knows that Blanche will feel uncomfortable with him asserting his dominance and that is why he makes sexual advances towards her. Blanche says no because in this case she is the prey and he is the predator, she is already terrified of him, and this rape scene pushes her over the edge. She doesn't want to be viewed as a "fallen woman" who gives her love to anyone, especially her sister's husband.
A Streetcar Named Desire Response #9
How significant and symbolic is the appearance of the Mexican woman selling flowers for the dead in Scene Nine?
In Scene Nine, the significance and symbolism of the Mexican woman selling flowers for the dead just validates Blanche's decaying and dying physical and mental self. The woman confronting Blanche with the flowers for the dead is sealing Blanche's fate. She isn't going to make it any further in New Orleans; the dynamic of the town, the hustle and bustle, vulgar words, and blue-collar class, are completely out of what Blanche is accustomed to. She is too delicate and fragile to sustain life in a town like New Orleans with the background of Belle Reve ingrained into her.
In Scene Nine, the significance and symbolism of the Mexican woman selling flowers for the dead just validates Blanche's decaying and dying physical and mental self. The woman confronting Blanche with the flowers for the dead is sealing Blanche's fate. She isn't going to make it any further in New Orleans; the dynamic of the town, the hustle and bustle, vulgar words, and blue-collar class, are completely out of what Blanche is accustomed to. She is too delicate and fragile to sustain life in a town like New Orleans with the background of Belle Reve ingrained into her.
A Streetcar Named Desire Response #8
What does Blanche mean when she says, "I don't want realism. I want magic. I try to give that to people. I misrepresent things to them. I don't tell the truth. I tell what ought to be the truth."
Blanche revolves around make-believe and fantasy. That is who she is. What she means by that response is that she doesn't want to deal with the harsh realities of what the real world is. The hurt, the pain, the struggle, that makes the real world reality, destroy Blanche. She doesn't want that she wants "enchantment" and magic. Something that she can escape to; somewhere she is safe and away from harm. She gives people lies because if they were to hear the truth it would only hurt them, the same way it hurt Blanche. That is why she lies and only tells what people want to hear to them. She doesn't want the world to hurt them the way it hurt her.
How might someone explain Blanche's many "intimacies with strangers"?
It's out of loneliness, revenge, and protection. She needs to feel something in the arms of a man. She needs the protection and dominance of someone. She finds that in the men she lures to her room. Part of it is also revenge, she was hurt by a young man and men in general. She wants to lure them in with an attachment tat she once felt, but then hurt them the way that she was hurt. With Blanche's "intimacies with strangers" it is purely to feel something, to feel alive in a way, to feel wanted in a certain way.
Blanche revolves around make-believe and fantasy. That is who she is. What she means by that response is that she doesn't want to deal with the harsh realities of what the real world is. The hurt, the pain, the struggle, that makes the real world reality, destroy Blanche. She doesn't want that she wants "enchantment" and magic. Something that she can escape to; somewhere she is safe and away from harm. She gives people lies because if they were to hear the truth it would only hurt them, the same way it hurt Blanche. That is why she lies and only tells what people want to hear to them. She doesn't want the world to hurt them the way it hurt her.
How might someone explain Blanche's many "intimacies with strangers"?
It's out of loneliness, revenge, and protection. She needs to feel something in the arms of a man. She needs the protection and dominance of someone. She finds that in the men she lures to her room. Part of it is also revenge, she was hurt by a young man and men in general. She wants to lure them in with an attachment tat she once felt, but then hurt them the way that she was hurt. With Blanche's "intimacies with strangers" it is purely to feel something, to feel alive in a way, to feel wanted in a certain way.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
A Streetcar Named Desire Response #7
How does Mitch respond to the news about Blanche that Stanley told him? Why doesn't he want to marry Blanche anymore? Why does he tear off the paper lantern? Why does Blanche not want him to tear it off? What does Mitch want from Blanche at the end of scene nine? How does Blanche respond?
Initially when Stanley tell Mitch the news about Blanche being a prostitute and resorting to it in the Hotel Flamingo, a cheap, second class hotel, Mitch accuses Stanley of lying and spreading rumors about Blanche. He doesn't believe him at all. Mitch then finds out the truth and goes over to see Blanche. He doesn't want to marry Blanche anymore because he finds out the truth about her being a prostitute. Her lies and her unclean self are the two reasons that Mitch no longer wants to pursue Blanche. Mitch tears off the paper lantern in a moment of angst; he had never seen Blanche in the light and starts to catch on to the fact that she avoids harsh light, so he tears off the light to see her true age and what she looks like. The only thing that Mitch wants from Blanche at the end of Scene Nine is sex. He tells her he never wants her as a wife because she is "unclean" and already "used" by other men, but he wants her to have sex with her. Blanche responds with a fit; she is extremely insulted because her pride was just destroyed and any dignity she had left is now completely gone--she threatens to scream and then screams to get the attention of everyone and make it look like Mitch did something terrible.
Initially when Stanley tell Mitch the news about Blanche being a prostitute and resorting to it in the Hotel Flamingo, a cheap, second class hotel, Mitch accuses Stanley of lying and spreading rumors about Blanche. He doesn't believe him at all. Mitch then finds out the truth and goes over to see Blanche. He doesn't want to marry Blanche anymore because he finds out the truth about her being a prostitute. Her lies and her unclean self are the two reasons that Mitch no longer wants to pursue Blanche. Mitch tears off the paper lantern in a moment of angst; he had never seen Blanche in the light and starts to catch on to the fact that she avoids harsh light, so he tears off the light to see her true age and what she looks like. The only thing that Mitch wants from Blanche at the end of Scene Nine is sex. He tells her he never wants her as a wife because she is "unclean" and already "used" by other men, but he wants her to have sex with her. Blanche responds with a fit; she is extremely insulted because her pride was just destroyed and any dignity she had left is now completely gone--she threatens to scream and then screams to get the attention of everyone and make it look like Mitch did something terrible.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
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.
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.
A Streetcar Named Desire Response #5
While Stanley is talking to Stella about Blanche, Blanche is in the bathroom and the audience can hear her singing. What is the significance of her song?? Is it, too, a description of Blanche?? Does it present one side of Blanche that Stanley (and Mitch) cannot understand?
The significance of her song is the song centers around this make-believe world. This is Blanche and all she exists in. She wants to live in a world that is magic to escape reality and the cruelness of the real world. The real world has destroyed her; the funerals, the loss of Bele Reve, the loss of her young husband, being fired from her job, resorting to prostitution, the real world for Blanch Dubois has been nothing but hardship and struggles. She does and makes her life a dream and make believe, like making "enchantment", talking to Shep Hutleigh, and putting on her expensive jewelry and clothes. In a way I don't think that Stanley and Mitch could ever understand why Blanche makes her world a make-believe world and tries to disregard reality for fantasy because they haven't gone through the experiences she has and experiences tend to shape people and who they become.
The significance of her song is the song centers around this make-believe world. This is Blanche and all she exists in. She wants to live in a world that is magic to escape reality and the cruelness of the real world. The real world has destroyed her; the funerals, the loss of Bele Reve, the loss of her young husband, being fired from her job, resorting to prostitution, the real world for Blanch Dubois has been nothing but hardship and struggles. She does and makes her life a dream and make believe, like making "enchantment", talking to Shep Hutleigh, and putting on her expensive jewelry and clothes. In a way I don't think that Stanley and Mitch could ever understand why Blanche makes her world a make-believe world and tries to disregard reality for fantasy because they haven't gone through the experiences she has and experiences tend to shape people and who they become.
A Streetcar Named Desire Response #4
Describe Blanche's relationship with Stanley in Scene Five.? How does this latest conflict between them end? What seems to be the course of their conflicts? What is the true cause of this conflict?
The relationship between Stanley and Blanche becomes more hostile and tense. Blanche uses her "feathery charm" to make harsh and rude comments towards Stanley. Blanche makes accusations toward Stanley and his astrological sign of being a "goat" or a Capricorn. Stanley then gives hostile comments back towards Blanche. He addresses her about her time at the Flamingo Hotel and if she knows a man named Shaw. Blanche gets defensive, and the conflict ends with Blanche feeling fearful and shaken because Stanley is catching on. The true cause of this conflict has to do with dignity. Blanche has a way of tearing Stanley's dignity, attacking him and demeaning his hard working attitude and social class. Pride and dignity are two of the biggest things that if they are attacked at you feel vulnerable. I think when Blanche attacks Stanley a part of him breaks down and shows vulnerability, he then in turn compensates for that vulnerability by turning it on Blanche and breaking her down. It's all to show dominance.
In Scene Six Blanche describes her experience with love in terms of light imagery.Yet Scene Six takes place mostly in the dark in candlelight. What is the effect of this on the viewer? Why might Blanche prefer dim light? Where else have references to light and dark appeared in the play?
The effect of the light imagery in the dark candlelight gives us an effect of who Blanche really is. Darkness hides things from view. Blanche hides lies from everyone. Darkness does that. The darkness allows Blanche to conceal the things that she doesn't want to reveal at all. She doesn't like the light. It reminds her of the searchlight that discovered her dead young husband. Light brings back terrible memories and also isn't easy to conceal things in. The light also reveals Blanche's true age, she wants to hold on to her fading beauty and the dream of the past. Light and dark references appeared earlier in the play. Those references allow her to live a dream, away from reality. They allow her to live a lie. Earlier in the play she covers the harsh light with a paper lantern, and she never goes on dates in the day time, it only reaffirms the fact that light to Blanche is a reminder of painful memories and the past that will never be again.
The relationship between Stanley and Blanche becomes more hostile and tense. Blanche uses her "feathery charm" to make harsh and rude comments towards Stanley. Blanche makes accusations toward Stanley and his astrological sign of being a "goat" or a Capricorn. Stanley then gives hostile comments back towards Blanche. He addresses her about her time at the Flamingo Hotel and if she knows a man named Shaw. Blanche gets defensive, and the conflict ends with Blanche feeling fearful and shaken because Stanley is catching on. The true cause of this conflict has to do with dignity. Blanche has a way of tearing Stanley's dignity, attacking him and demeaning his hard working attitude and social class. Pride and dignity are two of the biggest things that if they are attacked at you feel vulnerable. I think when Blanche attacks Stanley a part of him breaks down and shows vulnerability, he then in turn compensates for that vulnerability by turning it on Blanche and breaking her down. It's all to show dominance.
In Scene Six Blanche describes her experience with love in terms of light imagery.Yet Scene Six takes place mostly in the dark in candlelight. What is the effect of this on the viewer? Why might Blanche prefer dim light? Where else have references to light and dark appeared in the play?
The effect of the light imagery in the dark candlelight gives us an effect of who Blanche really is. Darkness hides things from view. Blanche hides lies from everyone. Darkness does that. The darkness allows Blanche to conceal the things that she doesn't want to reveal at all. She doesn't like the light. It reminds her of the searchlight that discovered her dead young husband. Light brings back terrible memories and also isn't easy to conceal things in. The light also reveals Blanche's true age, she wants to hold on to her fading beauty and the dream of the past. Light and dark references appeared earlier in the play. Those references allow her to live a dream, away from reality. They allow her to live a lie. Earlier in the play she covers the harsh light with a paper lantern, and she never goes on dates in the day time, it only reaffirms the fact that light to Blanche is a reminder of painful memories and the past that will never be again.
A Streetcar Named Desire Response #3
How might someone explain the dynamics of Blanche's encounter with the newspaper boy? Why does Blanche flirt with him?
Blanche's encounter with the newspaper boy is purely attention for herself. The young man is naive and unaware of Blanche's charm and flirtatious manners. The only reason that Blanche is flirting with him is I think goes with the fact that she is lonely and wants to relive the past. Blanche yearns for attention and needs it to keep going, she is lonely. She hasn't had a relationship since her young husband died. That is another reason why she is flirting with him, I think she sees a part of the young husband she once had in that young newspaper boy and that is why she is drawn to him and tries to flirt with him.
What does Blanche want from Mitch? Is she honest with him? Describe their relationship at
the end of scene five and during scene six.? Is Mitch an aristocratic southern gentleman?? If not, provide examples from scene six to support your answer? Do they love each other? How is their
relationship different from the relationship between Stanley and Stella?
The thing that Blanche wants from Mitch is attention. I don't think she is honest with anyone, so therefore being honest with Mitch doesn't occur at all. She lies so well that to her lying is her way of telling the truth. At the end of Scene Five, Mitch is almost entranced by Blanche and her charm. He brings her flowers and is infatuated with her. I don't think that Mitch is Blanche's idea of an aristocratic southern gentleman, but in the circumstances that she is in and being surrounded by people like Stanley Kowalski, Mitch is the closest thing to a gentleman that she has. Mitch isn't a gentleman in the regard that he asks things a gentleman shouldn't ask about a lady; Blanche's weight, her age, for example. If Mitch were a true gentleman, he wouldn't have asked that knowing a lady never reveals her weight and her age. I don't think Mitch and Blanche has a love-based relationship. Blanche wants to flirt and enjoys flirting with Mitch, but she will never be able to get past the death of her young husband. Mitch is infatuated with her, but doesn't love her. Stella and Stanley's relationship revolves around passion; they are crazy about each other. Blanche and Mitch has a muted relationship, Mitch will try to do romantic things but Blanche rejects them based on her "ideals".
Blanche's encounter with the newspaper boy is purely attention for herself. The young man is naive and unaware of Blanche's charm and flirtatious manners. The only reason that Blanche is flirting with him is I think goes with the fact that she is lonely and wants to relive the past. Blanche yearns for attention and needs it to keep going, she is lonely. She hasn't had a relationship since her young husband died. That is another reason why she is flirting with him, I think she sees a part of the young husband she once had in that young newspaper boy and that is why she is drawn to him and tries to flirt with him.
What does Blanche want from Mitch? Is she honest with him? Describe their relationship at
the end of scene five and during scene six.? Is Mitch an aristocratic southern gentleman?? If not, provide examples from scene six to support your answer? Do they love each other? How is their
relationship different from the relationship between Stanley and Stella?
The thing that Blanche wants from Mitch is attention. I don't think she is honest with anyone, so therefore being honest with Mitch doesn't occur at all. She lies so well that to her lying is her way of telling the truth. At the end of Scene Five, Mitch is almost entranced by Blanche and her charm. He brings her flowers and is infatuated with her. I don't think that Mitch is Blanche's idea of an aristocratic southern gentleman, but in the circumstances that she is in and being surrounded by people like Stanley Kowalski, Mitch is the closest thing to a gentleman that she has. Mitch isn't a gentleman in the regard that he asks things a gentleman shouldn't ask about a lady; Blanche's weight, her age, for example. If Mitch were a true gentleman, he wouldn't have asked that knowing a lady never reveals her weight and her age. I don't think Mitch and Blanche has a love-based relationship. Blanche wants to flirt and enjoys flirting with Mitch, but she will never be able to get past the death of her young husband. Mitch is infatuated with her, but doesn't love her. Stella and Stanley's relationship revolves around passion; they are crazy about each other. Blanche and Mitch has a muted relationship, Mitch will try to do romantic things but Blanche rejects them based on her "ideals".
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
A Streetcar Named Desire Response #2
Recount your impression of the relationship that exists between Stella and Blanche at the end of Scene Four; also, discuss how one might characterize the relationship between Stella and Stanley.
At the end of Scene Four, it is more apparent that Blanche is trying to control Stella's life. She keeps telling Stella how she needs to get out of the situation that she is in, but Blanche isn't taking into effect if Stella really wants to get out of the situation in which she is in. Blanche forces upon Stella the rude words about her husband, calling him "sub-human","ape-like", and an "animal", just because Stanley Kowalski comes from a different class and area than Blanche Dubois. At the end of Scene Four, Stella finally makes her decision--she chooses Stanley over Blanche. Part of the reason that Stella, I think, left Belle Reve in the first place was to discover who she was for herself, apart from the lavishness, riches, and grandiose of Belle Reve. She found herself and her new life in Stanley Kowalski, and even though Blanche may not approve of him that isn't going to change the way that Stella feels about him. The relationship between Stella and Stanley is like a defective grenade. The grenade can go off at any time; Stanley's drinking, Stanley's violence, and his hot temper, but if you don't off-set the grenade or tamper with it to trigger it in any way then you have nothing to worry about. When Stanley isn't drunk or angry with Blanche it is evident how much he truly cares about Stella and how he wants to protect her. Stella is the pawn, along with Mitch, in the game between Stanley and Blanche; the end of Scene Four relays that message exceptionally, Stanley hears the whole conversation between Blanche and Stella where Blanche calls him an animal, he walks in, and Stella rushes over to Stanley and embraces him. Stanley then grins and smiles at Blanche, almost to indicate "if you wan't to mess with me, go ahead mess with me, but beware."
At the end of Scene Four, it is more apparent that Blanche is trying to control Stella's life. She keeps telling Stella how she needs to get out of the situation that she is in, but Blanche isn't taking into effect if Stella really wants to get out of the situation in which she is in. Blanche forces upon Stella the rude words about her husband, calling him "sub-human","ape-like", and an "animal", just because Stanley Kowalski comes from a different class and area than Blanche Dubois. At the end of Scene Four, Stella finally makes her decision--she chooses Stanley over Blanche. Part of the reason that Stella, I think, left Belle Reve in the first place was to discover who she was for herself, apart from the lavishness, riches, and grandiose of Belle Reve. She found herself and her new life in Stanley Kowalski, and even though Blanche may not approve of him that isn't going to change the way that Stella feels about him. The relationship between Stella and Stanley is like a defective grenade. The grenade can go off at any time; Stanley's drinking, Stanley's violence, and his hot temper, but if you don't off-set the grenade or tamper with it to trigger it in any way then you have nothing to worry about. When Stanley isn't drunk or angry with Blanche it is evident how much he truly cares about Stella and how he wants to protect her. Stella is the pawn, along with Mitch, in the game between Stanley and Blanche; the end of Scene Four relays that message exceptionally, Stanley hears the whole conversation between Blanche and Stella where Blanche calls him an animal, he walks in, and Stella rushes over to Stanley and embraces him. Stanley then grins and smiles at Blanche, almost to indicate "if you wan't to mess with me, go ahead mess with me, but beware."
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Final/Most Important Passage in The Awakening
"Edna had attempted all summer to learn to swim. She had received instructions from both the men and women; in some instances from the children. Robert had pursued a system of lessons almost daily; and he was nearly at the point of discouragement in realizing the futility of his efforts. A certain ungovernable dread hung about her when in the water, unless there was a hand near by that might reach out and reassure her. But that night she was like the little tottering, stumbling, clutching child, who of a sudden realizes its powers, and walks for the first time alone, boldly and with over-confidence. She could have shouted for joy. She did shout for joy, as with a sweeping stroke or two she lifted her body to the surface of the water.A feeling of exultation overtook her, as if some power of significant import had been given her to control the working of her body and her soul. She grew daring and reckless, overestimating her strength. She wanted to swim far out, where no woman had swum before. Her unlooked-for achievement was the subject of wonder, applause, and admiration. Each one congratulated himself that his special teachings had accomplished this desired end."
"How easy it is!" she thought. "It is nothing," she said aloud; "why did I not discover before that it was nothing. Think of the time I have lost splashing about like a baby!" She would not join the groups in their sports and bouts, but intoxicated with her newly conquered power, she swam out alone.She turned her face seaward to gather in an impression of space and solitude, which the vast expanse of water, meeting and melting with the moonlit sky, conveyed to her excited fancy. As she swam she seemed to be reaching out for the unlimited in which to lose herself."
"Once she turned and looked toward the shore, toward the people she had left there. She had not gone any great distance that is, what would have been a great distance for an experienced swimmer. But to her unaccustomed vision the stretch of water behind her assumed the aspect of a barrier which her unaided strength would never be able to overcome."
This passage is the most important passage in The Awakening, due to the changes that Edna goes through after this one scene. This is the "awakening" in the story. Edna's life before this point was unfulfilled, lack-luster and lacking what she truly wants, once Edna dives into that water and realizes for the first time for herself that her she has been living in a life that isn't the life she wants to live--she changes her complete outlook. She then meets Robert and Arobin, who awaken who she wants to be more emotionally and sexually, and changes how she acts in general after that creating a completely different person that we initially were introduced to at the beginning of the story. This is the one critical point in the novel where we see her change. Her whole demeanor changes from this point on; she is more sexual, more blunt, more independent, and more accepting to the fact she doesn't want to be controlled by Leonce anymore. However; her life is already so controlled by Leonce that the only way to truly escape him is her death--which she commits at the end of the novel.
This passage is the most important passage in The Awakening, due to the changes that Edna goes through after this one scene. This is the "awakening" in the story. Edna's life before this point was unfulfilled, lack-luster and lacking what she truly wants, once Edna dives into that water and realizes for the first time for herself that her she has been living in a life that isn't the life she wants to live--she changes her complete outlook. She then meets Robert and Arobin, who awaken who she wants to be more emotionally and sexually, and changes how she acts in general after that creating a completely different person that we initially were introduced to at the beginning of the story. This is the one critical point in the novel where we see her change. Her whole demeanor changes from this point on; she is more sexual, more blunt, more independent, and more accepting to the fact she doesn't want to be controlled by Leonce anymore. However; her life is already so controlled by Leonce that the only way to truly escape him is her death--which she commits at the end of the novel.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Short Fiction Assignment #5: "Where Are You Going? Where Have You Been?" by Joyce Carol Oates
Theme and Symbolism
In Where Are You Going? Where Have You Been? coming of age is a major factor in this short story. The coming of age plot ties into one of the themes in the short story--the search for independence. Connie, one of the main characters, has conflicts with her family. Her family wants to keep holding on to her while part of growing up means letting go and giving more freedom to some extent. Also, Connie tries extremely hard to make herself more attractive and prettier. Making yourself seem more pretty is a pressure put on woman during adolescence and growing up. Woman want to look good because they have the idea that the first thing Men judge you on is your appearance and how you look, not your personality or who you are. At the end of the short story, Connie's search for independence comes to a dark and dismal end. Connie's struggle for independence and failure for independence resonates with a lot of everyday struggles teenagers have with finding themselves and their own independence. There are many points in a teenagers life where they try so hard to become more independent and fail and in the end the people there to catch them and boost them up are the people they tried so hard to stray away from initially. One symbol in this short story is of the devil or a devil like presence being inside of Arnold Friend. Arnold Friend is a manipulative person like the devil, only trying to get what he wants and what he needs.
In Where Are You Going? Where Have You Been? coming of age is a major factor in this short story. The coming of age plot ties into one of the themes in the short story--the search for independence. Connie, one of the main characters, has conflicts with her family. Her family wants to keep holding on to her while part of growing up means letting go and giving more freedom to some extent. Also, Connie tries extremely hard to make herself more attractive and prettier. Making yourself seem more pretty is a pressure put on woman during adolescence and growing up. Woman want to look good because they have the idea that the first thing Men judge you on is your appearance and how you look, not your personality or who you are. At the end of the short story, Connie's search for independence comes to a dark and dismal end. Connie's struggle for independence and failure for independence resonates with a lot of everyday struggles teenagers have with finding themselves and their own independence. There are many points in a teenagers life where they try so hard to become more independent and fail and in the end the people there to catch them and boost them up are the people they tried so hard to stray away from initially. One symbol in this short story is of the devil or a devil like presence being inside of Arnold Friend. Arnold Friend is a manipulative person like the devil, only trying to get what he wants and what he needs.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
The Awakening Passage Analysis #6: Chapters XXXIII-XXXIX
Chapter XXXVI, pg. 145 and pg. 146
This passage that I selected I think displays what kind of guy Robert is. He does feel the same way about Edna, when she kissed him he kissed her back, and told her that she was the reason that he had to stay away from Grand Isle. Robert is a very passive and gentle guy and this scene really displays that. He didn't put himself out there and kiss Edna first, he had many opportunities to do it when Edna and him reconnected after Robert's trip to Mexico but he never did. And later in the next chapter, Robert abandons Edna right after this scene takes place. He does truly love and care about Edna but he just can't picture them ever being together, he gets scared and leaves because he loves her and doesn't want to hurt her. From the beginning of the book to this scene, Edna has grown by leaps and bounds. At the beginning she was controlled by Leonce, everything she did was because Leonce requested or Leonce thought it was in Edna's place to do it. Now, after the awakening, Edna makes decisions on her own, for her own and no one else. It was her decision to kiss Robert and disclose how she feels about him, it was her decision to leave the Pontellier house and buy a house of her own, and it was ultimately her decision to give up swimming in the water which led to her death.
Pg. 145
"Robert," she said, "are you asleep?"
"No," he answered, looking up at her.
She leaned over and kissed him--a soft, cool, delicate kiss, whose voluptuous sting penetrated his whole being-then she moved away from him. He followed, and took her in his arms, just holding her close to him. She put her hand up to his face and pressed his cheek against her own. The action was full of love and tenderness. He sought her lips again. Then he drew her down upon the sofa beside him and held her hand in both of his.
"Now you know," he said, "now you know what I have been fighting against since last summer at Grand Isle; what drove me away and drove me back again."
"Why have you been fighting against it?" she asked. Her face glowed with soft lights.
"Why? Because you were not free; you were Leonce Pontellier's wife. I couldn't help loving you if you were ten times his wife; but so long as I went away from you and kept away I could help telling you so." She put her free hand up to his shoulder, and then against his cheek, rubbing it softly. He kissed her again. His face was warm and flushed.
Pg. 146
"You have been a very, very foolish boy, wasting your time dreaming of impossible things when you speak of Mr. Pontellier setting me free! I am no longer one of Mr. Pontellier's possessions to dispose of or not. I give myself where I choose.
This passage that I selected I think displays what kind of guy Robert is. He does feel the same way about Edna, when she kissed him he kissed her back, and told her that she was the reason that he had to stay away from Grand Isle. Robert is a very passive and gentle guy and this scene really displays that. He didn't put himself out there and kiss Edna first, he had many opportunities to do it when Edna and him reconnected after Robert's trip to Mexico but he never did. And later in the next chapter, Robert abandons Edna right after this scene takes place. He does truly love and care about Edna but he just can't picture them ever being together, he gets scared and leaves because he loves her and doesn't want to hurt her. From the beginning of the book to this scene, Edna has grown by leaps and bounds. At the beginning she was controlled by Leonce, everything she did was because Leonce requested or Leonce thought it was in Edna's place to do it. Now, after the awakening, Edna makes decisions on her own, for her own and no one else. It was her decision to kiss Robert and disclose how she feels about him, it was her decision to leave the Pontellier house and buy a house of her own, and it was ultimately her decision to give up swimming in the water which led to her death.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
The Awakening Passage Analysis #5: Chapters XXVI-XXXII
Chapter XXVI, pg. 105-106
"Alcee Arobin wrote Edna an elaborate note of apology, palpitant with sincerity. It embarrassed her; for in a cooler, quieter moment it appeared to her, absurd that she should have taken his action so seriously, so dramatically. She felt sure that the significance of the whole occurrence had lain in her own self-consciousness. If she ignored his note it would give undue importance to a trivial affair. If she replied to it in a serious spirit it would still leave in his mind the impression that she had in a susceptible moment yielded to his influence. After all, it was no great matter to have one's hand kissed. She was provoked at his having written the apology. She answered in as light and bantering a spirit as she fancied it deserved, and said she would be glad to have him look in upon her at work whenever he felt the inclination and his business gave him the opportunity.
He responded at once by presenting himself at her home with all his disarming naivete. And then there was scarcely a day which followed that she did not see him or was not reminded of him. He was prolific in pretexts. His attitude became one of good-humored subservience and tacit adoration. He was ready at all times to submit to her moods, which were as often kind as they were cold. She grew accustomed to him. They became intimate and friendly by imperceptible degrees, and then by leaps. He sometimes talked in a way that astonished her at first and brought the crimson into her face; in a way that pleased her at last, appealing to the animalism that stirred impatiently within her.
There was nothing which so quieted the turmoil of Edna's senses as a visit to Mademoiselle Reisz. It was then, in the presence of that personality which was offensive to her, that the woman, by her divine art, seemed to reach Edna's spirit and set it free"
In this passage it becomes aware to us just how serious this friendship between Arobin and Edna is becoming. Arobin, as a character possess many traits that makes him the perfect medium between Leonce and Robert. He has the heart of Robert, we can see that by the sincere apology he writes to Edna. He pays attention to Edna, which is what every woman wants, Arobin is around Edna more than Leonce is and you can tell that just because of the chemistry that is growing between them. Arobin is more willing to "make things happen", Robert never was. Robert knows the traditional Creole values and despite feeling a certain way towards Edna, he knew that he could never cross that line. Arobin, however, wants to cross that line. In the passage it says "He was ready at all times to submit to her moods..." and "He sometimes talked in a way that pleased her at last, appealing to the animalism that stirred impatiently within her." Arobin never wants to love Edna, he is just there to ignite her sexual desires.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Short Fiction Assignment: The Rockinghorse Winner by D.H. Lawrence
Theme Analysis and Connections in The Rockinghorse Winner by D.H. Lawrence
As a society, our dreams and aspirations are usually tied with making more money. Climbing up the social ladder means having more money to spend on frivolous items, having a large house, and brand new cars. This connection can be made as one of the themes in The Rockinghorse Winner, one of the strongest themes in the short story has to deal with the need and want for more money. As the mother and father think that money is the only thing to make you completely happy, and the only thing that is needed in life, the one thing that truly matters however is love and the love they have within their family. This idea of love is destroyed and broken down by the desire for money and social status. The young boy, Paul, only desires to be loved by his mother, the woman who gave birth to him, but he feels like he can not achieve that with money and social status overpowering him. Ultimately Paul finds himself yearning for his mother's love and begins gambling by predicting who can win in horse races to get money to his mother. This book also has a theme of neglect; the mother neglecting Paul, which in turn makes Paul want his mother's love even more. This one theme spirals into what is similar in Oedipus, the almost infatuation and love for the mother and wanting to get rid of the father figure. In The Rockinghorse Winner, the symbol of the rockinghorse suggests that it is tied to isolation and Paul's sexual desires. He isn't given the opportunity to explore love or lust outside of the home even though on the cusp of adolescence that is what he needs to experiment with the most.
As a society, our dreams and aspirations are usually tied with making more money. Climbing up the social ladder means having more money to spend on frivolous items, having a large house, and brand new cars. This connection can be made as one of the themes in The Rockinghorse Winner, one of the strongest themes in the short story has to deal with the need and want for more money. As the mother and father think that money is the only thing to make you completely happy, and the only thing that is needed in life, the one thing that truly matters however is love and the love they have within their family. This idea of love is destroyed and broken down by the desire for money and social status. The young boy, Paul, only desires to be loved by his mother, the woman who gave birth to him, but he feels like he can not achieve that with money and social status overpowering him. Ultimately Paul finds himself yearning for his mother's love and begins gambling by predicting who can win in horse races to get money to his mother. This book also has a theme of neglect; the mother neglecting Paul, which in turn makes Paul want his mother's love even more. This one theme spirals into what is similar in Oedipus, the almost infatuation and love for the mother and wanting to get rid of the father figure. In The Rockinghorse Winner, the symbol of the rockinghorse suggests that it is tied to isolation and Paul's sexual desires. He isn't given the opportunity to explore love or lust outside of the home even though on the cusp of adolescence that is what he needs to experiment with the most.
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