Dependence on Men

Stella’s Dependence on Stan Stella has a clear dependence on Stan, she stays with him despite his physical aggression, in fact the level of danger in the relationship seems to excite Stella, “He smashed all the lights with the heel of my slipper – I was-sort of thrilled by it” The level of dependence that Stella has for Stan can be seen when she chooses to remain with Stan rather than accept the truth of Blanche’s rape, “She sobs with inhuman abandon. There is something luxurious in her complete surrender to crying that her sister is gone”

Maggie’s Dependence on Brick It is clear to the audience that there is little passion in Brick and Maggie’s relationship. Maggie insists on remaining with Brick to meet the societal expectations for women to be married and with children. This results in their marriage being less to do with love and more to do with meeting the standards that are set upon her. Maggie’s Diana trophy is a symbol of her past success and passion. Now that she is an older women and expected to be married, she keeps the trophy hidden away as she values the status of marriage more than pursuing her own identity

Dependence on Big Daddy Many characters in ‘Cat ’ depend on Big Daddy and what he represents within the family. Big Daddy’s wealth and age not only makes him the head of the family but also a strong symbol for the old South. Consequently, the news of his illness causes many of the other family members to worry that the security that offers will die along with him. The name ‘Big Daddy’ can be viewed as having symbolic significance here- as he represents the Old South, and therefore the older generation, he is seen as ‘the man’ of the family, and therefore the ‘Big Daddy’ figure who keeps them together.

Brick and Big Daddy The character we see with the most obvious dependence upon Big Daddy is Brick. In the play it is quoted that they are the only characters who are honest to each other. This results in Big Daddy being the only character Brick is willing to discuss his personal life to. “Did I ever lie to you? – Then there are at least two honest people”

Blanche- Characterisation and link with dependence on men In streetcar Blanche heavily relies on her relationship with men to retain her sense of youth – a lie that she clings to in order to feel desirable. She always feels really reluctant to reveal her age and there’s evidence of this as she tends to often hide in the shadows. “And turn that over-light off! Turn that off! I won’t be looked at in this merciless glare!” Blanche portrays herself with the image of a seductress with the red satin robe she wears, suggesting a promiscuous image and someone who needs the company of men to feel fulfilled. This is also reinforced with her flirtatious behaviour towards men, even Stanley. “Blanche comes out of the bathroom in a red satin robe.” She seems to depend on men as a general concept rather than one individual male character. She relies on their interest and attention to withhold a façade, that of a young and desirable woman.

Blanch and Mitch “Do you want him?” and she replies, “I want to rest! I want to breathe quietly again! Yes—I want Mitch… very badly! Just think! If it happens! I can leave here and not be anyone’s problem…”  Blanche relies on Mitch to retain a tranquil state of mind. Its not so much Mitch, it’s a man she needs to fulfil her fantasy of settling. She believes her only way of achieving in life is to marry and be stable – Mitch represents a future that is expected from woman at this time.