Blanche Dubois

"I have found it easier to identify with the characters who verge upon hysteria, who were frightened of life, who were desperate to reach out to another person. But these seemingly fragile people are the strong people really." This particular quote taken from Tenneesee Williams is best portrayed by Vivian Leigh in the 1950's version of A Streetcar Named Desire. Blanche is a character that Williams considers to represent the traits and lifestlye of his mother which is why i believe that he identifies with these type of chracters best. You can tell that in this particular scene Blanche is very fragile not only by what she says but how she is whenever Stanley comes around. Even before he puts his hands on her she is very skiddish and nervous to be near him. The events that have happened in her life have put her in a extremely difficult place almost on the verge of hysteria. She is all dressed up when Stanley gets home wearing one of her old formal dresses and a tiara. She has completely lost her mind and looking to find her old self again. This scene shows stanley talking to her about covering the candle, which retreats back to a few other scenes in the play where she covers up the light. She does not want to reveal her true feelings, flaws,and desires. This whole scene shows a different side of blanche and really focuses on the fear that is built up inside of her. I think that Williams is trying to show that you can still be fragile and frightened but strong at the same time.