THEMES - Relationship between man & women Flashcards
(19 cards)
How are male-female relationships portrayed in A Streetcar Named Desire?
They are often unequal, driven by desire, power, or dependency. Love is tied to dominance, submission, and survival.
What does the play suggest about romantic relationships?
That they are often toxic, based on illusion or power dynamics, and marked by sexual dependency.
STANLEY & STELLA:
How is the relationship between Stanley and Stella portrayed?
Passionate and sexual, but also physically and emotionally abusive — Stella is drawn to his dominance.
STANLEY & STELLA:
Why does Stella stay with Stanley despite his violence?
She’s emotionally and sexually dependent on him. Desire overrides reason and morality.
STANLEY & STELLA:
What does Stanley say about their relationship?
“We had this date with each other from the beginning!” — implies fate and passion govern their bond.
BLANCHE & STANLEY:
How does Blanche’s relationship with Stanley develop?
It’s antagonistic from the start — they represent opposing worlds. Stanley ultimately asserts brutal dominance.
BLANCHE & STANLEY:
What is the power dynamic between them?
Stanley undermines Blanche’s illusions and status, culminating in sexual violence that destroys her.
BLANCHE & STANLEY:
What does the rape symbolize in terms of gender roles?
The ultimate act of masculine domination over vulnerable femininity — the destruction of Blanche’s identity and power.
BLANCHE & MITCH:
How does Blanche’s relationship with Mitch begin?
As a hopeful alternative to Stanley — Mitch is gentle and represents emotional connection.
BLANCHE & MITCH:
Why does their relationship collapse?
Mitch discovers Blanche’s past and rejects her, unable to separate purity from love — shaped by traditional gender norms.
BLANCHE & MITCH:
What does this reveal about expectations of women?
Women are expected to be sexually pure to be loved or respected; Blanche’s past invalidates her as a partner.
GENDER ROLES & EXPECTATIONS:
What role are women expected to play in relationships?
Submissive, loyal, sexually desirable, and dependent — both Blanche and Stella reflect these societal pressures.
GENDER ROLES & EXPECTATIONS:
How does the play critique these roles?
By showing the emotional damage and repression women suffer, and how they are punished for independence or sexual agency.
GENDER ROLES & EXPECTATIONS:
What’s the significance of the line “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers”?
Blanche’s final admission reflects how women without male protection are vulnerable in a patriarchal society.
“There are things that happen between a man and a woman in the dark…” — meaning?
Stella justifies staying with Stanley because of their physical connection — desire is presented as irresistible.
“He acts like an animal…” — what does this show about Blanche’s view of men?
She sees Stanley’s masculinity as base and dangerous — suggesting her fear and disdain for male dominance.
“I want to deceive him enough to make him—want me…” — what does this reveal about Blanche?
She believes women must perform and fabricate to attract and keep male attention.
CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE:
How might a feminist critic interpret the relationships in the play?
As examples of systemic patriarchal control where women are objectified, dominated, and silenced.
CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE:
How might a psychoanalytic critic interpret Blanche’s dependence on men?
As rooted in trauma — after her husband’s suicide, she seeks emotional and sexual validation to mask guilt and loss.
