THEMES - Masculinity Flashcards
(19 cards)
How is masculinity presented in A Streetcar Named Desire?
As dominant, physical, and often aggressive — linked with power, control, and sexual energy.
What cultural context shapes the portrayal of masculinity?
Post-WWII America — a return to traditional gender roles, glorifying male strength and authority.
STANLEY AS A SYMBOL FOR MASCULINITY:
How does Stanley embody masculine power?
He’s assertive, sexually dominant, physically strong, and emotionally blunt — a product of working-class confidence.
STANLEY AS A SYMBOL FOR MASCULINITY:
How does Stanley assert control over others?
Through physical dominance, shouting, violence, and emotional manipulation, especially over Stella and Blanche.
STANLEY AS A SYMBOL FOR MASCULINITY:
What does Stanley’s pride in his background reveal about masculinity?
He sees strength and self-made status as masculine virtues, rejecting the Old South’s elitism.
STANLEY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH STELLA:
What is the foundation of Stanley and Stella’s relationship?
Passion and sexual chemistry — their intimacy reinforces Stanley’s control and Stella’s dependence.
STANLEY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH STELLA:
What does Stella’s return to Stanley after the violence suggest?
Desire and masculinity are deeply intertwined — she’s drawn to his dominance despite the abuse.
MITCH & ALTERNATIVE MASCULINITY:
How is Mitch’s masculinity different from Stanley’s?
He’s sensitive, polite, and caring — an alternative male figure who initially appeals to Blanche.
MITCH & ALTERNATIVE MASCULINITY:
Why does Mitch ultimately reject Blanche?
Social expectations and shame — he cannot reconcile her past with his view of respectable femininity.
MASCULINITY VS FEMININITY:
How does the play depict the power struggle between masculinity and femininity?
Stanley (masculinity) dismantles Blanche’s (femininity/illusion) power through exposure and physical violence.
MASCULINITY VS FEMININITY:
What does Blanche threaten about Stanley’s masculinity?
Her class, education, and manipulative charm challenge his authority and control over Stella.
“He acts like an animal… sub-human.” — what does Blanche mean?
She critiques Stanley’s brute masculinity and lack of refinement, highlighting the play’s theme of primal vs cultured.
“Every man is a king!” — what does Stanley mean?
Reflects his belief in male dominance and control within the household — masculine entitlement.
“Since when do you give me orders?” — what does this show?
Stanley’s resistance to challenges — his masculinity is threatened by any loss of authority.
MASCULINITY & VIOLENCE:
How is masculinity linked to violence in the play?
Male characters (especially Stanley) use physical force to resolve conflict and assert control.
MASCULINITY & VIOLENCE:
What is the significance of Stanley’s rape of Blanche?
The ultimate assertion of masculine dominance — symbolic of the destruction of Blanche’s identity and power.
CRITICAL & CONTEXTUAL PERSPECTIVES:
How might a feminist critic interpret the play’s masculinity?
As toxic and oppressive — the male characters maintain control through violence and dominance over women.
CRITICAL & CONTEXTUAL PERSPECTIVE:
How might a Marxist critic interpret Stanley’s masculinity?
As part of class conflict — Stanley asserts working-class masculine power over Blanche’s fading aristocratic femininity.
CRITICAL & CONTEXTUAL PERSPECTIVE:
How does Tennessee Williams complicate masculinity?
By showing its fragility — Stanley’s aggression often masks insecurity; Mitch’s rejection of Blanche reveals societal pressures.
