Stella Flashcards
(61 cards)
Who is Stella Kowalski?
Younger sister of Blanche Dubois and wife of Stanley Kowalski
Stella represents a character caught between her family and her relationship.
What life choice did Stella make regarding her family?
She left Laurel and the family plantation for a new life in New Orleans with Stanley
This decision left Blanche to deal with the deteriorating Belle Reve.
How does Stella’s relationship with Stanley Kowalski manifest?
Strong sexual relationship despite occasions of physical and verbal abuse
This reflects a complex dynamic often seen in abusive relationships.
What are the key characteristics of Stella Kowalski?
Aristocratic, gentle, impressionable, passive homemaker
Each characteristic reveals different aspects of her personality and societal role.
How is Stella’s aristocratic descent depicted?
Apparent in her disposition and manners, especially compared to her neighbors
This descent becomes a point of tension with Stanley.
How does Stella respond to the behaviors of Blanche and Stanley?
Empathetic and forgiving, easily manipulated by both
Her tolerance reflects the helplessness present in the play.
What does Stella’s passivity signify in a feminist context?
Reflects the subjugated and dependent woman of the 1940s
Her return to Stanley despite his abuse highlights societal issues regarding women’s roles.
What does Stella mean when she says, ‘I couldn’t believe her story and go on living with Stanley’?
Indicates her choice to reject Blanche’s accusations to maintain her relationship with Stanley
This highlights her internal conflict and the complexity of her situation.
What does Stella believe about the possibility of the rape?
Stella believes that there is a possibility that the rape happened, and she knows Stanley better than others.
How does Stella respond when Eunice chooses to drink instead of calling the police?
Stella responds, ‘That’s much more practical.’
What societal issue does the text highlight regarding women in the 1940s?
Women were dependent on men and forced to tolerate abuse.
What does Stella’s disbelief in Stanley’s rape of Blanche signify?
It is an act of ‘practicality’ as she knows she and her baby cannot live without him if she believes Blanche.
Fill in the blank: In the 1940s, women were often forced to tolerate _______.
[abuse]
True or False: Stella’s actions are influenced by her dependence on Stanley.
True
What is Stella’s relationship with Stanley?
Stella is the subservient wife of Stanley, driven by a strong sexual relationship.
How does Stanley manipulate Stella?
Stanley frequently uses sex to manipulate Stella.
What is Stella’s reaction to Stanley’s abuse?
Stella forgives Stanley’s abuse and feels ‘thrilled’ by his violent actions.
What does Stella’s comment about violence suggest?
It suggests Stella’s denial of abuse and acceptance of Stanley’s violent behavior.
What significant event ties Stella to Stanley at the end of the play?
Stella gives birth to Stanley’s child.
How does Stella’s outlook on life compare to Blanche’s?
Stella is characterized as more realistic than Blanche but this is contested at the end.
What does Stella choose to believe about Blanche’s claims?
Stella chooses to believe that the rape is a figment of Blanche’s imagination.
What does Eunice say about Stella and Stanley’s marriage?
‘It’s sort of messed up right now but when it’s clean it’s really sweet.’
How does Stanley display his love for Stella?
Stanley loves and is possessive about Stella despite his brutish behavior.
What is Stella’s role in defending Blanche?
Stella defends Blanche against Stanley’s verbal assaults.
