Lecture on Stella Kowalski's Role in "A Streetcar Named Desire"

Introduction

• Focus: Stella Kowalski's character in Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire."
• Common Oversight: Many students focus too much on Blanche and Stanley, neglecting Stella.
• Stella's Importance: Central to the conflict and rich in thematic detail.

Stella's Character and Role

• Natural Passivity: Williams notes Stella's acceptance stems from her natural passivity.
• Central Conflict: Stella is between Blanche’s excitability and Stanley’s magnetism.
• Pressure: Constantly negotiating between her husband and sister.

Economic and Social Dynamics

• Dependency: Blanche is economically and somewhat sexually dependent on Stanley.
• Baby's Symbolism: Represents a mix of old Southern aristocracy and new working-class Americans.

Stella's Name and Identity

• Name Significance: Her name's evolution signifies her life's tension between Belle Reve and Elysian Fields.
• Background Transition: From Belle Reve to New Orleans, showcasing social upheaval post-war.

Stella's Personality

• Speech and Behavior: Mild mannered, passive, and embodies a narcoticized tranquility.
• Acceptance of Violence: Passively accepts Stanley’s violent behavior.

Social and Cultural Context

• Post-War America: Stella embodies social turbulence of the time.
• Literary Allusions: Contrasts with Blanche's literary and complex dialogue.

Stella’s Relationships

• With Stanley: Sexual attraction and acceptance of his dominance.
• With Blanche: Attempts to defend her but ultimately chooses Stanley.

Themes

• Illusion vs. Reality: Stella accepts illusion over reality, a Dubois trait.
• Adaptation: Her adaptability contrasts with Blanche’s inability to cope.

Critical Views

• Williams' Direction: Aimed for a portrayal of tranquility in Stella's character.
• Critical Interpretations: Stella represents future over past, potency over sterility.

Conclusion

• Driving Force: Stella’s pregnancy as the plot's clock, symbolic of post-war change.
• Final Thought: Stella's character is essential and complex, urging deeper analysis.

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• Quote from Albert Wertheim: Highlights the triumph and tragedy embedded in the narrative.
• Encouragement: Students are urged to incorporate these analyses into their work.