Commentary on Scene 1 Of Streetcar Named Desire Essay

In Scene one of "A streetcar named desire," Williams hints at many clues which suggest there will be conflict further into the play.

One clue which Williams uses to hint that there will be conflict further into the play is the way he presents Stanley's and Blanches first meeting and their initial relationship. Stanley and Blanche are immediately characterized as polar opposites, with Stella being the link between them. He is brutish, coarse, primitive; she is dainty, elegant, delicate. He sizes her up with a glance; she hides her eyes from him. He is direct and blunt; she dances around every topic. Although, it seems that they have attracted to each other. The instant animosity between the characters is powerful. I think this is the beginning that sets up the inevitable date they have with each other later in the story.

Another clue which Williams uses to hint that there will be conflict in the play is his use of detailed stage direction. Williams provides detailed stage directions in his plays, which are functional and poetic. For example, Williams dictates that Blanche should enter in "a white suit with a fluffy bodice," and describes her outfit as something appropriate for a cocktail party. Williams is stating the overall effect "there is something about her uncertain manner that suggests a moth." This is an interesting choice of comparison, as moths are drawn to light whereas Blanche is drawn from it. Also, the stage directions describe Stanley in detail; "Animal joy in his being is implicit in all his movements and attitudes... the gaudy seed bearer." This is very suggestive that later on in the story there will be violence and it is informing the reader aboutwhat Stanley is truly like, a sexual,violent man.

Also important in hinting there will be conflict is the detailed description of the set. Outlined is the cramped claustrophobia that enters the apartment with Blanche, and the emotions as Blanche's hide-out extends longer and longer. The outside world regularly enters the apartment, in visits from Mitch and Eunice and the occasional poker night. But rather than letting in air and light, these penetrations just force Blanche to escape from reality. Blanche is distinctly overcivilized and has repressed her vitality and her sexuality. Blanches health and her sanity are declining as a result, foreshadowing the later scenes.

All of the major themes of "A Streetcar Named Desire" are introduced quickly at the beginning of the play. Williams drops clues about all the major reveals of the second and third acts in the introductory exposition. The play is like a mystery, with Stanley investigating Blanche's background and the ever-unraveling layer of truth and lies. In the first scene, we recieve hints as Williams references all the major issues: the loss of Belle Reve; Blanche's drinking; the fear and adoration Stella feels for her husband; Blanche's obsession with appearances; and the death of Blanche's husband. The second scene shows the difficultness of Blanche and Stanley's relationship, and from there the foundation is laid to send the story towards its conclusion, through a violent and sexual plot consisting of Blanche, Stanley, Stella and Mitch.

In conclusion, Williams uses many ways to hint that there will be conflict in the play. This proves very powerful and also provokes the audience to have alot of emotion, even from the start. Scene one is extremely useful in portraying the characters and their initial relationships and feelings which develop later on in the play in much more detail.