Having read the play “A Streetcar named Desire” by Tennessee Williams and watched the film “Blue Jasmine” directed by Woody Allen, I have come to feel more sympathy for Williams ‘ character Blanche than Allen’s character Jasmine. “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Blue Jasmine” similarly tell the story of a socialite who faces an epic downfall in life. Woody Allen’s film manages to parallel Tennessee’s original “A Streetcar Named Desire” whilst adding a modern twist and subtle adaptations. Despite the overwhelming similarities, the film maintains differences between the characters, Blanche and Jasmine, which determines who I sympathize more.
In “A Streetcar Named Desire”, Blanche moves in with her younger sister Stella. Blanche reveals to Stella …show more content…
As Blanche tugs back and forth with Stella’s husband, Stanley, it becomes evident the topic of her dead husband, and ultimately the topic of men, makes Blanche very distraught. Constant character conflict between Blanche and others reveal her helpless and fragile nature. Blanche constantly tells lies about her past, avoiding any real confrontation and when she does, it drives her mad. The strongest friction can be seen between Stanley and Blanche. Blanche expresses her distaste for Stanley through insults and derogatory name-calling. In return, Stanley calls Blanche out on her lies and previous relationships and makes sure that everyone knows it, especially Mitch, a love interest for Blanche, who in the end says that Blanche is too dirty to bring in a house with his mother. Eventually the tension climaxes between the two, and Stanley rapes Blanche, in which her previous lies result in a ‘ The boy who cried wolf’ scenario. Stella refuses to believe Blanche’s accusations against Stanley stating: “I couldn’t believe her story and go on living with Stanley.”(Williams, 165) The play ends heart wrenchingly with Blanche being admitted to a mental hospital and Stella staying with
In “A Streetcar Named Desire”, Blanche moves in with her younger sister Stella. Blanche reveals to Stella …show more content…
As Blanche tugs back and forth with Stella’s husband, Stanley, it becomes evident the topic of her dead husband, and ultimately the topic of men, makes Blanche very distraught. Constant character conflict between Blanche and others reveal her helpless and fragile nature. Blanche constantly tells lies about her past, avoiding any real confrontation and when she does, it drives her mad. The strongest friction can be seen between Stanley and Blanche. Blanche expresses her distaste for Stanley through insults and derogatory name-calling. In return, Stanley calls Blanche out on her lies and previous relationships and makes sure that everyone knows it, especially Mitch, a love interest for Blanche, who in the end says that Blanche is too dirty to bring in a house with his mother. Eventually the tension climaxes between the two, and Stanley rapes Blanche, in which her previous lies result in a ‘ The boy who cried wolf’ scenario. Stella refuses to believe Blanche’s accusations against Stanley stating: “I couldn’t believe her story and go on living with Stanley.”(Williams, 165) The play ends heart wrenchingly with Blanche being admitted to a mental hospital and Stella staying with