Kongkiat Charoenjarasrerk (Jay)

1204
Question prompt: 2
Analyze how Williams explores the presentation of power
dynamics in the play, ASND.
 The word power dynamics have their meaning of how people or groups of people

commute in each other and where one of the sides is more powerful than the other. A Streetcar

Named Desires by Tennessee Williams shows power dynamics through the character

relationships. Blanche and Stella were the two characters who always got into a conflict with

Stanley. Their power dynamic was tilted to Stanley due to power and domination during their

conversions.

Therefore, Stella respects and loves Stanley but she fails to gain respect and recognition

from Stanley. Even though Stanley is very offensive against Stella. She still fights with the

remaining power to insult her husband about their relationship…

STELLA

“Your face and fingers are disgustingly greasy. Go and wash up and then help me clear

the table”.

(William, 116)

After Stella insults her husband he reacts furiously. Stella was in deep fear after Stanley wiped

the dish because he often uses his power and loud voice to gain attention. Stella was royal and

dependent on Stanley. This leads to a close environment that Stella will never leave her husband

because of her desire, even in a case of abuse. And Stanley claims himself to be the king of this

place and Stella shouldn’t insult him in any way. This ripped all of the power in Stella and she

will never gain respect nor power from her husband.

On the other hand, Blanche never gets along with Stanley since they met. Blanche

escapes from her flaw and tragedy, she then shows up in her sister’s apartment. The first time

that Blanche and Stanley flirted with him. But Stanley backed off and refused her desire. Stanley

starts sketching about Ms. Blanche DuBois’s background and he found out her situation. Later
on, Stanley and Blanche were together chatting about a made-up story from Blanche. Stanley

snaps out and shout out loud:

STANLEY:

There isn't a goddamn thing but imagination!

...

STANLEY:

And look at yourself! Take a look at yourself in that worn-out Mardi Gras outfit, rented

for fifty cents from some ragpicker! And with the crazy crown on! What queen do you

think you are?

(William, 138)

Blanche was terrified by his action and voice. She was about to run away from him but she

failed. Stanley uses all of his strengths and carries her on his shoulder and walks right to the

bedroom and fulfill his desire. Blanche came to Stella for help, but she was helpless because of

her mental status. Stanley was interested in her from the beginning but she never showed it and

he knew that Blanche was unstable. Blanche’s mental situation was influenced by her husband

Allan Grey which he dies because of her discovery and she felt guilty of it. At that time

William’s male characters were the head or lead of the family but females were seen as a weaker

type. In addition, the power dynamic was clearly on Stanley because he used dominance and

power to dominate their relationships.

In essence, Tennessee Williams uses Stanley as his main character to show the audience

the power dynamic. Stanley was represented as a family man but throughout the play, William

reveals that Stanley has used his power and desire to manipulate both Blanche and Stella
physically and mentally. Dominance was just a kind of power where everyone can use no matter

what gender but use it wisely.