Brutality in Stanley Kowalski - a Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams

Brutality in Stanley Kowalski

In the play A StreetCar Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams, brutality is shown very strongly by one particular character. The main character, Stanley Kowalski, shows his brutal emotions in many ways throughout the play. Stanley’s brutality is shown clearly toward the reader in several places during the play.

In example, the first act of brutality is evident at the poker game when he gets so angry he throws the small, white radio out the window. Another example of his display of brutality is when he harshly beats his wife. Finally, his arrogance and ferocious actions are most apparent when he brutally rapes Blanche, while his wife is in labour at the hospital.

Stanley Kowalski’s first display of his brutal actions occurs at poker night.

“ [She turns on the radio and it begins to play “Wein, Wein. Nur du allein.” Blanch waltzes to the music with romantic gestures. Mitch is delighted and moves in awkward imitation like a dancing bear.]

[Stanley stalks fiercely through the portieres into the bedroom. He crosses to the small white radio and snatches it off the table. With a shouted oath, he tosses the instrument out the window.]” (p.57)

This quote shows Stanley’s brutal and demanding personality. It also shows how Stanley can snap at the drop of a dime about the smallest gestures and doings. This defect in his personality becomes a problem in his daily life and also in his relationship with his wife.

Not only does throwing the radio out the window represent an impure disposition, but so does beating your wife, which is another example of Stanley’s brutal manner. When he throws the radio out the window, he them immediately attacks Stella for stating her two sense about him throwing the radio out the window.

“ Stella: Drunk-Drunk-animal thing, you![She rushes through to the poker table] All of you-please go home! If any of you have one spark of decency in you

Blanche: Stella, watch out, he’s

Men: [feebly] Take it easy, Stanley, Easy, fellow-- ----------Let’s all

Stella: You lay your hands