Analysis of Blanche’s Character

Blanche is a vividly intense character who embodies many characteristics at once. Though her salient feature is desperation, she seems to contain both self-assertion and feebleness. Because of this, her presence is made as prominent and imposing as Stanley’s in the play, in a non-aggreessive manner that inspires pity and tragedy. She has an innate need to distinguish herself, and though she succeeds through her poetic, mythical language and caring personality, she fails in her commonly flirtatious sexuality and alcohol abuse. Of course, what separates her from the other characters, particularly Stanley, is that she lives in a fantasy world, a world endowed with love and richness, a natural consequence of her being surrounded by misery. It is this lack or realism which will yield her final downfall.
Blanche, despite her many shortcomings, is filled with an inner sense of care and beauty. While Stella fled Belle Reve to live with Stanley, Blanche bravely stayed back to care...