Is desire fully destructive in “A Streetcar Named Desire”?
This is an A-Level English Literature essay, which can be used for revision purposes. I receive full marks (50/50) on this essay, so it’s a great example for your own! Happy studying!
Is desire fully destructive in “A Streetcar Named Desire”?
Throughout the play “A Streetcar Named Desire, the characters are
frequently destroyed by their own list and desire for a better life. Williams
portrayed the characters in this way to demonstrate the weakness of the
human race and their tendency to give in to temptation. This is first
demonstrated by the destruction of Belle Reve, where the “grandfathers and
fathers and uncles and brothers exchanged the land for their epic
fornications.” The listing demonstrates to the audience how Blanche’s stability
is reliant on the whims of men, and this indicates the ability of desire to
destroy her stability. As a result of this desire, “Belle Reve” is no more than a
“beautiful dream”- something unattainable.
Williams demonstrates the harmful power of desire through Blanche’s
relationship with Alan Grey. The Varsouviana’s first mention coincides with the
first mention of Blanche’s marriage in “you were married once, weren’t you?
[the music of the polka rises up]”. The stage infection introduces the leitmotif
of the Varsouviana displaying to the audience how Blanche associates Grey
with this sound. The Varsouviana comes to symbolise how Blanche is haunted
by her past most obviously in “the rapid, feverish polka… she is drinking to
escape it”. Williams’ utilises this stage direction to show the audience how
Blanche’s destruction is linked to the failure of securing her future with Alan
Grey. Homosexuality was rejected by society leading to Grey’s suicide. This
causes Blanche to associate desire with destruction, condemning it as “brutal
desire- just- Desire!”. The fragmented exclamation conveys a panicked tone to
the audience, demonstrating how desire and the failure to fulfil it has caused
the deterioration of Blanche’s character. This may be interpreted as Williams’
struggle to accept his own homosexuality, which is seen in the negative
portrayal of sexual desire throughout the play.
At times, it seems as though Williams is beginning to portray desire as
restorative, such as when Mitch asks “[drawing her slowly into his arms]…
Could it be- you and me, Blanche?”. The stage direction suggests tenderness
to the audience suggesting positive applications of love and desire. This is
supported by the simplistic language within the question, which connotes a
hopeful tone to the audience. However, this hope is quickly dashed. Williams
compares Blanche to the literary courtesan in “Je suis la Dame aux Camellias.
Vous êtes- Armand!”. The allusion to the Lady of the Camellias foreshadows
the destruction of Mitch and Blanche’s relationship, and the hope for stability
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