The two scenes in the play that best show examples of Williams's presentation of relationships between men and women are scenes three and eight. In scene three we have the huge argument between Stanley and Stella, setting up their specific relationship dynamics, and how Blanche affects those dynamics. Scene eight is a much later scene that encompasses, for the greater extent, the climactic state of the play's relationships. As Blanche's character finishes her path to self-destruction, the essentials of each relationship are divulged.
The most prominent relationship in the play is the temperamental marriage relationship between Stella and Stanley. In scene three we are introduced to this temperamental side of their relationship, we are shocked, just as Blanche is. Williams has specifically set up this scene to be shocking, to really express the desperate relationship between these two characters. Stanley is constructed as a macho egotistical man and we see this through his constant remarks of female degradation and through his stoic remarks of male dominance ('I am the king around here so don't forget it').
Portrait of Marlon Brando, "Streetcar Named Desire...
Blanche - chassis
Stanley PriceStella is constructed as a modern woman, but also as a very submissive woman (towards Stanley anyway), we see this in scene three when she eventually runs down from Eunice's flat back to her husband, even though he hit her. Their relationship is based on authority, and Stella tries to attain it but is constantly talked down to (' STELLA: "you can't hear us." STANLEY: "...I said to hush up"). Stanley in this scene is inebriated; this merely elucidates his personality and clarifies the dynamic relationship between him and his wife. In scene eight Stanley becomes even more wild and aggressive, and he aims this anger whole-heartedly at Stella, presumably because, ironically, he finds her submissive nature sometimes infuriating. I come to...