Explore literary texts informed by different interpretations. AO5 Explore literary texts informed by different interpretations.

Excellent Revision resource http://resources. mhs. vic. edu

Responding to Critical Readings… Critical and theoretical readings should be used to support your line of argument. This can be done by offering a view that supports your line of argument, which you then develop yourself – or, offering a view which contradicts your line of argument, then challenging it. One critical reading of the play, suggests that Blanche and Stanley represent archetypes of cultures or species. Supporting this view, Eric Bentley and Roger Boxill call Streetcar a “social-historical drama” where they consider that Blanche and Stanley are not depicted as individuals, instead, represent two different species entirely. Indeed, Stella refers to Stanley as “A different species”, acknowledging the enormous gulf between their social types. This interpretation can be further supported by Williams’ stage directions, where he casts Blanche as having a “delicate beauty” suggestive of “a moth”, whereas Stanley is “strongly, compactly built” like “a richly feathered male bird” - two different species indeed.

Elia Kazan, Streetcar’s first, and arguably most influential, director, considers Stanley the victim of Blanche’s onslaughts against his name, his heritage, his masculinity, and ultimately his family. He asserts that “Blanche is dangerous. She is destructive. She would soon have him and Stella fighting.” It is reported that some audience’s of his production even cheered during the rape scene. However, it is hard to support this reading when looking at Williams’ own description of Stanley as “gaudy seed-bearer”. Likewise, when considering his presentation of Mitch, who appears to embody some of the qualities of a southern gentleman, Williams offers a contrast to Stanley in what would appear to be a far more sympathetic portrayal of malehood.

In defence of Stanley / Critical of Blanche Ruby Cohn sides with Stanley as protector of the family, stating that Stanley’s “cruellest gesture in the play is to tear the paper lantern off the light bulb”. She points out that we never actually see “Stanley hit Stella” or “rape Blanche”. In fact, she argues, the rape itself results from Blanche’s licentious provocation. Stanley, on the other hand, is faithful and loyal; “his cruelty defends his world.” Build this in to a paragraph where you either support or challenge this reading.