"A Streetcar Named Desire" by Stanley Kowalski.

Essay by Werdna2004High School, 11th gradeA+, April 2003

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Character Analysis: Stanley Kowalski

In Tennessee Williams' play, "A Streetcar Named Desire," readers are introduced to a character named Stanley Kowalski. Though he seems to be loyal to his friends and caring towards his wife, he is actually the opposite. As the play unfolds, Williams uses three methods so that readers can understand who Stanley Kowalski really is: first, what Williams himself tells you about Stanley; second, what the Stanley says or does; and third, what other character say or do concerning Stanley.

Williams goes into great detail describing Stanley to the reader shortly after he is introduced in the play. He is of medium height, about five feet eight inches, and has a very compact, sinewy build. Stanley takes please from the simple things in life, such as women. According to Williams, since an early age, the center of Stanley's life has been pleasures with women. From this complete and fulfilling center, branches his other interests: poker, bowling, cars, rough humor, and beer.

When Blanche arrives in New Orleans, she looks down on him because of his simple interests, and the fact that his lineage originated in Poland. Overall, Williams paints a picture of a strong, stubborn man who can cause severe damage when upset.

Stanley is a primitive, ape-like man, and he frequently resorts to violence. His first exhibition of brutal actions occurs at poker night. Blanche turns on the radio, but Stanley demands her to turn it off. She refuses and he gets upset. He barges into the room, grabs the radio, and throws it out the window. His friends immediately jump up, and try to sober him up. This is the first of many times, violence is his solution. Eventually, he beats up Stella and rapes Blanche. Also, through his words, it is evident...