Essay on the character of Mitch in 'A Streetcar Named Desire'
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Course
Unit 1 - Drama
Institution
PEARSON (PEARSON)
An essay exploring the common exam question about the presentation of Mitch in Tennessee William's 'A Streetcar Named Desire'. Written by a current university student that achieved an A* in English Literature A level by memorising these essays which are structured in an easily accessible, colour-co...
“Mitch is a weak character overshadowed by those around him.”
In Tennessee Williams’ domestic tragedy ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,’ the protagonist, Blanche’s
tragic fate is intertwined with her involvement with her male suitor, Harold Mitchell, one of her
brother-in-law, Stanley’s good friends. On one hand it could be argued that Mitch is a weak
character overshadowed by stronger characters of the play, notably Blanche and Stanley.
Alternatively, it could be argued that Mitch is not overshadowed in his fleeting moments of strength.
Initially, it could be argued that Mitch is presented as a weak character overshadowed by those
around him, even his own friends, on Stanley’s poker night when he is frequently undermined by
Stanley. Williams creates tension between the domineering character of Stanley who embodies raw
masculinity, and Mitch, a contrastingly more sensitive figure which is atypical to the traditional male
gender identity, as stereotypically men are depicted as assertive and unemotional. The difference
between the two characters is demonstrated when Mitch announces “I oughta go home soon,” to
which Stanley shortly retorts “shut up,” and continues to show no compassion, even when Mitch
justifies his wish to leave, because his “sick mother” does not go to sleep until he comes home.
Instead, Stanley is fixated on the game and suggests Mitch is trying to “quit while he is ahead.” Mitch
is again overshadowed by Stanley when he leaves to go to the bathroom and Stanley caustically
jokes “Hurry back and I’ll fix you a sugar-tit.” The implication of this is that Mitch is a baby due to his
attachment to his mother, which undermines Mitch’s status as a fully grown man. The most Mitch
does to defend himself against Stanley’s disparaging remarks is by feebly telling him “Aw, lay off.”
From Mitch’s first interactions with Stanley, it is possible to argue that Mitch is indeed
overshadowed by him, and is rather weak for not asserting himself to Stanley when he makes
emasculating comments and jokes at Mitch’s expense.
On the other hand, Mitch could be seen to have some strength of character, because of the way
Blanche first perceives him later on the poker night. Blanche picks up on the contrast Williams draws
between Mitch and the other less refined men present at the poker night, as she observes that he
“seems superior to the others,” because of his “sort of sensitive look.” Mitch and Blanche instantly
form a bond by relating to each other over having loved and lost. Mitch reveals his silver cigarette
case was a gift from a “dead” admirer which Blanche relates to, as she poignantly says “sorrow
makes for sincerity” - alluding to the “sorrow” she experienced having lost her husband.
Nevertheless, Blanche’s behaviour could be interpreted as disingenuous, as she claims to not see the
inscription of Mitch’s cigarette case to get him to move closer to her, and is already familiar with the
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