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Idealism and Truth in A Streetcar Named Desire

 

            The conflict of reality and fantasy plagued her mind like a battle in a field of roses. Is the prominent truth of reality really better than the playful ambitions of one's own mind? The constant engagement of Blanche's presence in her own world, and the lack thereof in the real world make for a compelling but painful journey in Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire." Blanche and her sister Stella both struggle in the pursuit of happiness. A pursuit that they want, hope, and pray for each other. Is a cuff to the head worth the end of sexual frustration? Can a drunken dream really drown the pain? Together, yet so alone, two sisters trudge painfully down two separate paths leading the same way, in search of answers.
             A dream can be a very powerful thing. For better or for worse, Blanche is found continuously lying to herself and those around her. Whether or not she is aware of what she is doing, these fantasies do not go unnoticed. This seems to affect her most through her relationship with Mitch. As a woman who has lost everything, her understanding of Stella and Stanley's relationship is what will keep her going. If she can find a real man, she can have this life too, maybe even better! In the later-chapters, Blanche and Mitch's relationship starts to decay rapidly after he discovers who she truly is. When he tells her that she can't live in the same house as his mother, she breaks down. Her go-to defensive strategy kicks in, and before we know it, Blanche has a cruise planned with the handsomely rich Shep Huntleigh. Blanche could have been protecting herself from the judgement of others, or protecting herself from the truth, but her vivid imagination never seems to make things any easier for her. Blanche makes the most positive progress through telling the truth. Every moment a sliver of truth comes out, everyone starts to get answers.
             Things don't come easy in life. Especially not with factors like play and fun.


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