Dame Blanche

In my opinion, Blanche set herself up for becoming the insecure and lonely person that she is.  She was under the impression that material items, a mansion, and a good-looking husband would give her the complete satisfaction that she needs in life.  When her husband committed suicide, all she had left were her riches, Belle Reve, and the random men she slept with.  The satisfaction of material items and affairs can only temporarily fix the pain of loneliness.  I believe that Blanche began her downward spiral when she realized that she wasn't getting any younger, and she still had not found a new husband.  She became obsessed with her appearance, and wouldn't let anyone near her under a bright light, especially the man she is trying to seduce: "Let's leave the lights off shall we?" (87).  Furthermore, I do believe that her husband, if anyone else, helped lead her to her demise.  I'm sure finding your husband in bed with another man would be rather shocking.  Also, even though Stanley treated her horribly, she came to New Orleans with her selfish personality.  Stanley treated her horribly due to her personality.  Her personality did not form in the weeks she was there; Blanche has always been a self-centered woman. 

I think that Stella is the most likable, followed by Stanley and Blanche.  The readers like Stella and sympathize for her because she is a good wife to an animal-like husband, and a good sister to conceited Blanche.  Stella is always covering up for Stanley's explosive behavior: "She ran downstairs and went back in there with him" (60).  Despite Stanley's drunken rages, is always there to take care of him and pick up the pieces of whatever he has destroyed.  Moreover, Stanley's character is somewhat likable in my opinion.  His sarcastic remarks are funny, and for the most part he treats Stella with respect.  He realizes when he's messed up, and always comes begging for remorse: "Stella! My baby doll's left me!" (59).  Lastly, Blanche is the least likable out of the group.  Her conceited ways just bother me.  She comes to New Orleans unannounced and expects to take up residency with her sister and her husband.  In my opinion, "shacking up" with your sister and her husband is an invasion of privacy.  Also, her continuous bathing must not leave much hot water for Stanley and Stella!  Blanche is entirely too self-centered and egotistical.  She needs to come to terms with her age and make wiser decisions.  Sleeping around is not going to get her anywhere in her life. 

Justice is definitely served at the end of this play, although  I don't agree with Stanley raping Blanche. No one deserves to be raped no matter how annoying or selfish he or she is.  I believe Stanley raping Blanche was the animal inside him being unleashed.  As for Blanche being taken away by a doctor, that was in her best interest.  Blanche obviously had some psychological issues that needed to be treated by someone of more power than Stella.  Stella did all she could for Blanche, and at a certain point authority needs to step in.  Hopefully, Blanche will realize through her therapy that material items and affairs will only leave a person lonely in the end. 

Question: Why didn't Stanley kick Blanche out of their house immediately?
Connection: I couldn't really think of a connection for this play except for the fact that I've read it before.