The Small Penis of Stanley Kowalski

         So you must be asking yourself how I know Stanley Kowalski of Tennessee Williams' 1947 A Streetcar Named Desire has a small penis. I do not know that for sure, but I have my theory. This theory is not supported by any scientific data, but just hear me out. I like to call this the "Power Trip Theory." Stanley is the man; at least he wants everyone to think that he is. Throughout the story, Stanley must dominate over everyone. Since he tries to act so big in everything he does, he must be making up for his size somewhere else-hence, the petite penis.

         In the 1951 film A Streetcar Named Desire, directed by Elia Kazan, Stanley (Marlon Brando) first shows his stature at the bowling alley. Here he is shown fighting with his buddies because he does not get his way.

         Stanley obviously dominates anything and everything that has to do with his wife. After they met, Stanley took Stella (Kim Hunter) from Belle Reve (her ancestral home) to New Orleans. As soon as Stella's sister Blanche (Vivien Leigh) comes to live with them in New Orleans, Stanley tries to dominate her. He demands to see her financial papers and wants to know everything that happened and why she is there. Eventually Stanley tries to put his wife back into check by breaking his dishes, yelling at her, and even hitting her. Stanley also dominates over Blanche by raping her and making her go crazy.

         I am not saying that Stanley, for sure, without a doubt, has a small penis, but you get the picture of the reason I think he does. The power trip is all Stanley has left of his dignity. In the end of the movie, although not in the original play, we all know that he is left in the street with only his wee friend to keep him occupied while he yells his wife's name in vain, hoping that she will return to him so he can resume his power frenzy.

James Smith

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