Streetcar+Themes+-+Sex

A Streetcar Named Desire Essay (Theme of Sex) Antoinette Sex is one of the most evidently portrayed themes in “A Streetcar Named Desire”. The first reference to the theme of sex is represented in the title of the play. The word ‘desire’ in the title induces thoughts of sexual passion and energy in the audience. Sex is shown to be a significant theme in the play as the protagonist’s first speech on stage mentions the streetcar named desire. “…take a streetcar named Desire, and then transfer to one called Cemeteries and ride six blocks and get off at Elysian Fields.” The direction Blanche was given to reach Stella literally depicts the course of Blanche’s life. She begins with the sexual desires then on to death and finally arriving at Elysian Fields, known as the afterlife or heaven. In the beginning of scene one, Tennessee Williams incorporates many subtle referrals to the theme of sexuality. When Blanche first arrived she acknowledges that her privacy and personal space would be invaded due to the lack of walls between the two rooms. On the other hand, Stella and Stanley’s sexual relationship can be seen as an invasion by the presence of Blanche. Other than the mental sexual relationships, physical sexual implications are expressed as well. When the sisters discuss the photograph of Stanley in his military uniform, Stella professes her physical desire for him. The strong bonds and love between Stella and Stanley are based on their mutual physical lust for each other. It shocks Blanche that Stanley, being brought up differently, can share a common passion with her sister and this passion is further emphasized when Blanche acknowledges that Stella is pregnant. As Blanche and Mitch meets, they exchange flirtatiously and Blanche seduces Mitch with her feminine sexuality. Again, this passion is the stimulus to their relationship. However, unlike Stella and Stanley’s relationship, Blanche and Mitch are mainly attracted to the companionship rather than the lusty desires. In view of the fact that Mitch has an infantile behaviour, Blanche tries to attract him by acting innocent and pure. Blanche begins expressing her urges and desperateness for sexual desires when she seduces the young man collecting money for the newspaper and Mitch after their date. Unfortunately for Blanche, her past sexual encounters are exposed and Mitch is no longer attracted to her ‘innocence and pureness’ but instead attempts to be sexually involved with her. Like Stanley, near the ending of the play, Stanley overpowers Blanche and carries her into the bedroom without elaborating the ending. Williams’ intention is to allow the audience to piece together the possible outcomes. The author subtly implies Blanche’s stained history is the reason to her final downfall. Williams introduced Stanley in detailed via the stage directions: “Animal joy in his being is implicit in all his movements and attitudes.” This implies that Stanley is a rather rough and aggressive character yet is addicted to the thrill of sexual aggressiveness. The first physical sexual encounter on stage happened near the end of scene three. Stanley regrets his previous physical assault towards Stella and he bellows his love and apologies for Stella in the middle of the night. Stella eventually forgives him and returns to his arms, leading on to a night of sexual activities. In the next two scenes, Stanley begins to show distance towards Stella when he refuses to kiss her before he leaves the house. Stanley begins to express discomfort with Blanche in the house right after his sexual encounter with Stella and wishes not to reveal anymore of their intimate relationship in front of Blanche. Towards the final closing of the play, Williams concludes it with Stanley unbuttoning Stella’s blouse as a sort of soothing to her distress, seeing Blanche being taken away. As a whole, the theme of sexuality has been presented in various ways, desirable and destructive. While is consists of lust, desires and happiness it also brings about physical violence, forced entry and degradation. With reference back to the title, it shows the sex has a destructive nature as it is constantly linked to Stanley’s aggressive and controlling nature. In addition, it is the streetcar named ‘desire’ which led Blanche to her downfall. While Stanley and Stella enjoy the ‘heavenly’ Elysian Fields, Blanche cannot recognize any sense of happiness and only suffers in the supposed paradise.

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