As per Audible’s request, I, Daniel Valladares, will be composing a critical review on the playwright of “A Streetcar Named Desire”. I begin my writing with a quick note that I took before I even began reading. The title has the effect of being quite literal, yet cryptic at the same time. We acknowledge throughout the story that there is a literal streetcar by which a main character, in Blanche, comes to be in this particular site of New Orleans. However, it has a deeper meaning which we will touch on later on. Let’s lay down the basics by observing the people in the play, many of which can be seen as protagonists or antagonists. For example, Blanche, who seems to be the root of all the others’ problems, can also be pitied and rooted for by the audience. She exhibits a seductive nature, both on paper and on screen. There is also Stella, the sister of Blanche, who hosts her in her home. She can be culpable for the event which transpired against her sister through negligence, but she has also suffered greatly because of the strains her sisters presence has brought about. Stanley, Stella’s husband, is almost seen solely as a villain, but one can attest to him being a man with flaws who is only trying to protect his livelihood. Of the influential and central characters of the plot, the last is Mitch, a friend of Stanley’s that turns into Blanche’s safety blanket of sorts. Through many turmoils they slowly soil all bonds and turn to saving one’s self, even if it means putting the other down. A few of of the most riveting of events to occur were, initially, the unannounced arrival of Blanche and the baggage full of secrets she carried. Stanley’s continued pursuit of unraveling all of the lies Blanche has messily strung together began the rapid downfall of his relationship with his wife. Blanche seduced Mitch after noticing he wouldn’t be difficult to do so with; it seemed to be a plan which would result in Blanche having a financial cushion and reason to stay. The true issue in each scene always came to settle back on Blanche through many a pointed finger, usually by Stanley who had perhaps believed her to be a parasite. The only reason I believe the matter was not resolved earlier and in much more orderly fashion falls on the actions of Stanley. He was blatant in his disapproval of Blanche before everyone and tried to turn ever on against her. He also hit Stella, which prompted Blanche to plead that she leave him, therefore planting the idea in her mind. Of the greatest things held against Stanley is his rape of Blanche and although it was not proven, it is an accusation which is not taken lightly by most characters. In the end, both Blanche and Stanley are equally resented by a majority of the others. The conclusion consists of Blanche being sent to a mental ward as the many lies about her past and the excessive desire she expressed to maintain it proved she was unstable. The overall image which the script painted for me, is one where it portrays all humans as broken in character and proves that most will fall to protecting themselves before they go out of their way to protect others. - Daniel Valladares
Prime members: New to Audible?
