Notes

A Streetcar Named Desire is a play which is set in New Orleans in 1930s. In this play Williams wanted to express the changes in the social structure and in the roles of women in the contemporary society. The author managed to express the sprit of changes, which influenced the lives of their characters. The author describes female position in the beginning of the twentieth century. During that time women were deprived of many rights and freedoms they possess now. Relations between Stanly Kowalsky and his wife Stella make the main conflict of the play. The conflict between Blanche, Stella’s sister, and the society is another conflict of the play.

Gender relations are among the main themes of A Streetcar Named Desire. The author describes the society of the South America in the beginning of the 20th century. The society of that time was completely man-oriented. Women of that time played only secondary role in the society. They were totally dependant on man and could not express their desire freely. Stanly Kowalsky, the protagonist of the play, believes that the man should be the head of the family. He wants to prove all the members of the family his dominant role. Stella, Kowalsky’s wife is completely obedient to him. She does not think to confront her dogmatic partner. Blanche, Stella’s sister also does not have enough power to argue with Stanly. From the one side Stanly presents male ideal of that society. He is strong, self-assured and takes the responsibility for his family. Unfortunately, as a result, this strong male side prevents him from building normal human relations with his wife and other women. He does not perceive Stella as equal partner. He does not respect her and turns even to physical abuse. Stella complains to Blanche: “He was as good as a lamb when I came back and he’s really very, very ashamed of himself (Williams, 270).