A Streetcar Named Desire Group

Topic: At the end of the play, it would appear the Stanley has “won.”

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1

peluza74

Has he? Does harsh reality destroy illusion?

2

I believe there are no winners in this play. There are just human beings who have to face the sad realities of their lives. Blanche has been exposed as an alcoholic who has some kind of mental illness. Stanley has been exposed as a rapist and a loser. And poor Stella has to face the fact of what her husband and her sister are. I don't think Williams was trying to teach us anything; he was just showing us what reality is like for some people.

3

peluza74

I agree with you!!!

Thank you.

4

archteacher

In terms of Stella's allegiance, Stanley has won.  This is sad given that Stella is at least partly aware of what he did.  When Blanche is taken away, Stella says something to Eunice about having to believe Stanley in order to keep living with him.  If I recall correctly, she also indicates that there is no other option.  Stella is hinting that, on some level, she has made a choice.

In terms of Blanche, though, illusion has not been destroyed.  Blanche would rather retreat into herself than actually face the reality that Stanley represents.

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