Streetcar’s Stanley Is Not Desirable

        You hear the sounds of something crashing, breaking, and someone yelling. More than likely you are experiencing the everyday noises in the household with Stanley Kowalski, played by Marlon Brando in the movie, A Streetcar Named Desire, directed by Elia Kazan and based on Tennessee Williams' 1947 play. In this movie, Brando depicts a very handsome and sweet-talking gentleman with a harsh temper brought on by his drunken rages. He is married to Stella, portrayed by Kim Hunter, who is carrying their child. She is kind with a sweet disposition about her; however, she must tiptoe her way around her ticking time bomb of a husband. In the midst of this, Stella's sister, Blanche DuBois, acted by Vivien Leigh, shows up needing a place to stay. Of course, Stella gives Blanche a bed to sleep in. This living arrangement only makes the stubborn and often hot-tempered Stanley a reason to be mad at the world. This is why I cannot imagine how Stella puts up with her husband, Stanley, in this movie.

        A scene at the dinner table when Stanley loses his temper and throws the place setting at the wall is an example of Stanley's terrible treatment from her husband. Stella did not have to say much to make Stanley react this way; but, as soon as she did, he reacted by throwing the dishes. If I were Stella, I think I would have to separate myself from him, especially since she is pregnant at this time. I do not think it is healthy for a woman carrying a child to be in this sort of environment. A this point, I think Stella should take some time away from Stanley and find a neighbor or a close friend to live with for a while.

        Another example of Stanley's violence occurs when he rapes Blanche. Stella is at the hospital where she is about to give birth to their child. This selfish act from Stanley makes Blanche go crazy enough to be institutionalized for a while and makes Stella hate her husband. If I were Stella, I think I would leave my husband if I knew that he had hurt my sister and my feelings in this way. This is why I think she should leave him at this point or kick him out of their apartment.

        If I had to make decisions for Stella, I would have advised her to leave Stanley and move on. I do not think any woman has to deal with this sort of violence from their husband. Looks can be deceiving, which is why this Streetcar's Stanley is not desirable.

Beth Ann Dunavant

Table of Contents
1