Analyse the relationship between Blanche and Stella, discussing and
analyzing their differences. Who do you think is most suited to the modern world and why? In your response you can refer to: Stage directions Stella and Blanches appearances (or comments about) Language Attitude to Belle Reave and their current setting Stella and Blanche have a very conflicting and fickle relationship. This contradiction is usually fueled by Blanche and her fluctuating and opposing mannerisms and comments. Blanche is so attached to her image and the concept of Bell Reave that she covers up her flaws and guilt through her compulsive lies. Stella has moved on from the Bell Reave and the deep Southern concept; she is more open to the changing world than Blanche is. Because of Blanches hysterical and compulsive nature towards Belle Reave and her image, Stella would seem more suited to the modern world through her flexibility and the society she lives in. Blanche is a character who lives in and is attached to her past. She arrives in a white suit with a fluffy bodice, necklace and earrings of pearl, white gloves and hat. In the New Orleans modern culture her clothes would have been appropriate for a summer tea or cocktail party in the garden district. The clothes that she wears conveys a lot about her personality. The white clothes that Blanche wears are symbolic of purity and class. However, this symbol indicates elements of irony and juxtaposition towards Blanches personality. The fact that this image is portrayed through the image of clothing may also suggest a symbol of faade. Another important aspect of Blanches clothing is that it obviously contrasts with the New Orleans environment. The symbol of facade shows that Blanche is desperate to portray her image as pure and higher classed in order to cover up her flaws. One way in which she does this is to make herself look superior to the New Orleans community. Stella on the other hand has a different approach to the New Orleans lifestyle. She is described as a gentle young woman. Stella has left behind her past and has managed to adapt to the modern world. Compared to Blanche, she is more comfortable in her image and her place in New Orleans.
In the same set of stage directions, Blanche is said to have an
uncertain manner that suggests a moth. Like a moth, Blanche is drawn to and craves her own disaster. She is drawn to the flames which could potentially ruin her, however is unaware, or only subconsciously aware, of this danger. Blanche also mentions about a streetcar named desire twice. At first she mentions to Eunice in Scene 1 that they told [her] to take a street-car named Desire, and then transfer to one called Cemeteries and ride six blocks and get off atElysian Fields! Later, she criticizes Stella on her obsession for Stanley where she again mentions the streetcar. In this second mention, we learn the significance of the title: Blanche: What you are talking about is brutal desirejustDesire! The name of that rattle-trap street-car that bangs through the Quarter, up one old narrow street and down another STELLA Havent you ever ridden on that street-car? BLANCHE It brought me here. Again, the symbol of the moth reappears. Blanche is unable to control and take ownership of her desire. She is unable to think clearly about the decisions she makes and it leads her down the path of insanity. This therefore makes Blanche unsuited to cope with the modern world. In conclusion, Stella is a lot more suited to the modern world than Blanche. Blanche is stuck in the past and is unable to be more open to change. She is overcome by her own desire which leads her to insanity and her downfall. These are the characteristics of a person that are certainly and upmost detrimental to ones ability to cope with change.