preview

A Streetcar Named Desire Analysis

Decent Essays

With the recurring topic with femininity within A Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams opens up a narrative regarding the role in which women are either forced to or choose to conform in society and uses the play as a social commentary on the outcome of women who go against the societal norm. Femininity in modern times is difficult to clearly define. Traditional assertions of femininity were related to the domestic sphere, as women we are limited to the realm of childbirth and other homely duties. In addition to this role as mothers, women were considered objects for men to exert power over in a sexual sense as well as in general. As time progresses, women are finding new ways to identify within the scope of femininity and pushing gender boundaries. Women have found power within their femininity and much of this newfound agency can be attributed to the feminist movement, which represents female empowerment. Blanche and Stella demonstrate two different types of femininity in the play. Although, both of the women are very dependent on men. They both define themselves in terms of the men in their lives. They think as though the only route to happiness and fulfillment, is a relationship with men. Blanche had a tragic marriage in the past which as she grew up led her to seek emotional desire through relationships with men. She feels as though she can not be alone, she depends on a man. Even though Blanches first marriage ended pretty badly, she sees marriage as her

Get Access