Stanley was a very dominant and controlling character. This was evident within the first few scenes. At the beginning of the play he seemed very loving towards Stella and loyal to his friends. As the play progressed his true character was shown. When we first saw Stella and Stanley interact it was evident that he was controlling over her. In scene one on page 4 Stanley throws meat at Stella, insinuating that it is her job to cook it for him. She then had to ask her husband if she was allowed to watch him bowl. I find this very disturbing as it is a complete knock towards the female gender.
When Blanche came down from Belle Reve it was evident that Stanley was simply interested in her money and that he truly did not care about Blanche. His true personality was discovered once he found out that Belle Reve was lost and that there was no money to show for this. He insinuates that Blanche stole all the money and kept it for herself. He goes on about the Napoleonic Code and how what is Stella's is also his. Stanley has an issue with Blanche throughout the entire play and he finally has enough of her when he convinces Stella that Blanche is crazy. The last scene of the play is where Blanche is sent away because they simply want to go back to how they were before she came there. Or before Stella saw the real person that she married. Stanley was so controlling that Stella ultimately chose to stay with him instead of leaving like she should have.
A very well thought out comment, Alyssa! It is definitely true that Stanley is an overpowering character. We have to remember that his actions resembled normal mannerisms of the time. I think Stanley's behaviour definitely added to the play because, in my opinion, Stanley's character contrasts Blanche's very well. Stanley and Blanche's characters both seem to both be going, "off the rails," which definitely gave some tension and suspense throughout, "A Streetcar Named Desire."
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