In the play, aggression frequently escalates into either verbal cruelty or actual and implied physical violence. Stanley is particularly abusive towards Meg, taking pleasure in tormenting her. During the party scene, he even tries to strangle her. However, the majority of the violent threats are directed at Stanley. Goldberg and McCann represent an authority that Stanley cannot successfully challenge, despite his initial efforts. He attempts to resist and even kicks Goldberg in the stomach, but ultimately, he is overpowered. After their abusive interrogation, as the party commences, they symbolically disarm Stanley by breaking his glasses and controlling his movements.

Stanley's violence is more overt, demonstrated by his frenzied drumming, his choking of Meg, and his attempted assault on Lulu. In contrast, the violence from Goldberg and McCann is mostly implied or occurs offstage, such as the sexual abuse of Lulu. Their ability to accomplish their objectives with minimal explicit threats makes them an especially ominous pair.