A Streetcar Named Desire Scene 1: Analyzing Blanche

In Scene 1 of A Streetcar Named Desire, Williams introduces two main characters, Stella and Blanche. As they reunite, Williams suggests that their reconnection is not very affectionate but is rather awkward. The source of their unease arises from the many differences that set them apart. Blanche haughtily arrives at Stella's house and continually criticizes the environment of Elysian Fields. When Stella returns home and finds Blanche, Blanche does not hesitate to call Stella's home a "horrible place" and asks Stella why she didn't tell her that she "had to live in these conditions" (Scene 1 pg 11-12). Williams reveals that Blanche views the lifestyle her sister has chosen in a condescending manner. Rather than letting her sister be happy, Blanche cannot accept the very different atmosphere Stella has set for herself. She regards Stella's home to be "horrible" because of how different it is from what she is used to. Williams suggests that perhaps Stella is not open to change but is too scared. In addition, Williams later publicizes that Blanche's grievances arise over her bitterness from the past. While Stella left home to obtain a happier life, she did not hesitate and rather left her sister to take care of disorder at home where "all the burden descended on [her] shoulders" (Scene 1 pg 20). One questions whether Blanche is truly condescending or if her bitterness transforms her character to behave disdainfully.