A Streetcar Named Desire

This play was very moving.  Yes, it's depressing, but also a story about love.

Stanley is a proud man even though he may show it in the wrong ways.  Stella loves her Stanley, even though he can be violent.  Blanche is a lost soul, just looking for an outlet. 

When Blanche comes to visit Stella, I first see this as a cry for help.  The reader does not know much about Stella's and Blanche's past together, just that they are sisters and Stella left Blanche behind to care for their family and their land. There is a sense that Blanche is resentful of this.  She brings it up EVERY chance she gets.  Stella had to do what she had to do.  Blanche is just sorry she didn't think of it first.  Stella's focus is now on Stanley, and the family they are about to start together.

Stanley doesn't want to share Stella.  He resents Blanche for coming and fights it the entire time.  The real problem is he doesn't want an outsider judging him.  He lives his life the way he wants and doesn;t want to have to answer to anyone.  Stella loves him for all his flaws and he knows that with her sister there, this could change.  So the real question is, who will win over Stella?  Will it be Stanley, her husband, who loves her and provides for her?  Or will it be Blanche?  Her sister, her family, her only living relative, who needs her sister, but only wants her sister, not the abusive husband too.

Well, we all know who wins, but in the end there really are no real winners.  Blanche loses because she is sent away, against her will.  Stella loses because she is still married to an abusive husband.  Stanley loses because Stella is changed.  She is not the same weak, naive woman he married.