The character of Blanche Dubois is a woman with deep secrets and fleeting desire. She conceals her dark and dirty past, has many horrible secrets. And lies and cheats everyone that tries to get in the way of her sinister plans. She portrays an image of frail, delicate nature, when in reality her manipulative ways and cunning mind plays with the emotions of all.
As Blanche enters the stage she is described to be dressed of far more elegance then the setting of Elysian Fields requires. She enters and is seen to be almost in a trance, she glances at this horrid place her beloved sister calls home in disbelief. One of the first characters Blanche is introduced to is Eunice. Eunice clears all doubts Blanche may have had and directs her towards Stanley and Stellas apartment.
While exploring the dingy surroundings of the Kowalski apartment Blanche comes across a bottle of whiskey, and devours a hearty glass full. In doing so it is quite evident that the character of Blanche Dubois is easily distracted or unstable, proposing she may even have a drinking problem. Although Blanche denies it in front of her sister saying When Stella is finally reunited with her sister, even she notices Blanches hysterical, erratic and somewhat spontaneous behaviour. And while conversing with Stella, Blanche again subtly asks once again for a drink.
As the conversation continues Blanche tells her dear sister "I want to be near you, got to be with somebody, I can't be alone because as you must have noticed, I'm not very well" Scene 1 pg. 156. Upon hearing this Stella is convinced that her sister is not well. By utilizing Stellas unconditional love for her, Blanche is able to secure a place for herself in not only the Kowalski house hold but also gain sympathy from her gullible sister.
She also feeds her sister a lie about being given an absence of leave from the high school she teaches at when in reality she has been fired! Another example of Blanches shrewd mind put into play is how she knowingly tries to burden the loss of Belle Reve onto Stellas shoulders. You come to New Orleans and looked out for yourself. I stayed at Belle Reve and tried to hold it togetherOh, I'm not meaning this in any reproachful way but all the burden descended on my shoulder. Before dropping the news of the loss of Belle Reve, Blanche cleverly accuses Stella of abandonment, to make herself seem like the tragic victim of faith.
When Stanley and Blanche are introduced to each other for the very first time, their conversation is brutal and fairly sarcastic, and even in this first meeting Blanche starts her long parade of lies. When Stanley asks Blanche Liquor goes fast in the hot weather. You want a shot? She responds: No, I rarely touch it. ; blatantly denying her addiction. Again Blanche is seen depicting an image very different from her true character.
The first impression set by Blanche in front of Stanley is of a decent and proper woman, but as witty as Stanley is, he does not fall for this faade. During the brief duration of their conversation, he immediately starts to question her motives. He inquires about her job at the school and her previous marriage to Allan, Blanche is dumbstruck and seems nervous. She answers vaguely as to avoid any further questions.
When Stanley is told about the loss of Belle Reve, he is infuriated, accusing Blanche immediately of fraud. Stanley instantaneously addresses Stella to all the goods stashed in Blanches trunk. Now will you just open your eyes to this stuff here. Now I mean, what has she got this stuff out of teacher's pay?... Will you look at these fine feathers and furs that she comes to bring herself in here. What is this article? That's a solid gold dress, I believe... Now what is that? There's a treasure chest of a pirate... That's pearls, Stella, ropes of 'em. What is your sister - a deep sea diver? Bracelets, solid gold. (To Stella) Where are your pearls and gold bracelets?... And here you are. Diamonds. A crown for an empress.... All these articles hint to us that Blanche may not be the unblemished spotless woman that she identifies herself to be. these articles are what she uses to trap men into her seductive and manipulative paws.
Blanche is always trying to gain Stanleys approval; she tries at every turn to gain Stanleys affection: will Stanley like me, or will I just be a visiting in-law, Stella? I couldnt stand that. pg 23. As Stanley confronts Stella of all the lies shes been feeding and all her deceptive ways, Blanche once again tries to lure him, her sisters husband into her ploy Hello, Stanley! Here I am, all freshly bathed and scented, and feeling like a brand new human being! pg. 37.
Blanche is demanding compliments from Stanley for instance when she asks him blatantly if he finds her attractive, he responds by saying: Your looks are okay. To which she flirtatiously says: I was fishing for a compliment Stanley.
Blanche is the type of woman that is always interested in attaining the interest of men, as she coyly mentions Ive always depended on the kindness of strangers the cold hard truth is Blanche is actually a very insecure and lonely woman. Her habit of seducing men, and playing dangerous mind games is all a tactic to avoid and cover up her real problems. After the untimely death of her first and only true love, her young husband Allan; she has never been able to break away from the guilt that eats away at her. She constantly blames herself for what happened to him I hurt him the way that you would like to hurt me, but you can't! I'm not young and vulnerable any more. But my young husband was
Although Blanche lives in a fantasy world, created by her own little mind there are a few places where the covers are pulled off and we are exposed to the astonishing fact that even Blanche, can recognize between her fibs and the cold hard truth. As she mentions very clearly: I don't want realism. I want magic! Yes, yes, magic I try to give that to peopleI do misrepresent things I don't tell truth. I tell what ought to be truth. But slowly as the lies get deeper, Blanche starts to slip farther and farther into the pits of lunacy, ultimately causing her downfall.
Another character that inevitably becomes a victim of Blanches seductive ways is Mitch, close friend to Stanley. Mitch and Blanche seem to have everything going for them; they seem well aware of each others intentions and look to be happy. Mitch is a simpleton a true gentlemen someone Blanche desperately needs in her life, he brings stability. And miss. Dubois tries everything within her power to bind Mitch under her spell.
In front of Mitch, Blanche portrays a character of an orthodox old fashioned pious woman, but it is evident that she is only playing a role, a character, painting a picture of herself in Mitchs mind in order to engulf him in her deception.
Mitch falls for all of Blanches lies, and is swept of his feet. Only to later on discover that Blanche has done nothing but betray his trust, she kept him in the dark and played him. When Blanche asks Mitch to accept her he responds by saying No, I don't think I want to marry you anymore... No, you're not clean enough to bring into the house with my mother this proves to us that even Mitch is tired of her countless betrayals.
The one reason why Blanche so desperately wanted Mitch to fall in love with her was because he would provide stability for her; he was just a pawn in her plan. The only motive behind Blanche acting like she was in love with Mitch was because she felt like she was running out of time, that she was getting older and no man would find her attractive after this. She also did this because Mitch was her last hope to forget about her traumatic past and start a new chapter in life.
But when this last chance of hers is destroyed by Stanley she completely loses it, she completely distances herself from reality. At this point everyone that has tried to help her (Stella and Mitch) give in, they accept that Stanley is right and that Blanche is the evil, seductive, characterless woman he always accused her of being. Because of Blanches lies she fails to gain any sympathy. Ultimately her manipulative behaviour and lies cause everyone to lose trust in her.
Introduction:
Describe Blanche Duboiss personality, introduce her to the reader. Describe her appearance.
Argument one:Address how manipulative and easily she lies and hides the truth.
Already have an account? Log In Now
5173