When watching A Streetcar Named Desire – a tragedy, after all – it's traditionally required that there be a hand-picked antagonist, a 'bad guy' so to speak. Stanley Kowalski, one might argue, is that "bad guy." It is evident that throughout the play he is responsible for much of Blanche's downfall and ultimate destruction, learning to bring her down through his knowledge of her indiscreet past of promiscuity. Furthermore, we can observe the way he treats Stella, his wife, the other main female role in the piece: violent outbursts like in scene 3 and chauvinistic comments can lead us to assume that he is a cruel character. However we must consider the circumstances in which this play is set: the working class environment fueled by ambition and ready for the future. Stanley is a family man striving for success, taking action to support their future together. So maybe he's not quite the bad guy we might assume. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay From the moment we meet Stanley, it is evident that he is a dominant force – the “richly plumed male bird” – and is able to use this authority to cause Blanche ample pain. This could be a reason to label him a "villain". His dominance over the people in his life is undeniably powerful and used cruelly. Stella, for example, inevitably chooses to stay with him instead of Blanche at the end of the play because of the sexual dominance he has over her. The audience is reminded of this libido in the final image – of Stanley "[finding] the opening of her blouse", and hence the reason why Stella chooses to ignore her sister's "story" of the devastating rape that crushes Blanche and leaves Stanley. superior. But his dominance over Stella is not the most important thing in the piece: since he is responsible for Blanche's downfall, it is necessary to consider his actions towards her. When he returns Laurel's note to her in scene 9, the audience sees how cruel Stanley can be. He exerts dominance in this moment as he teases her with the card, as if it were a gift - saying "I hope you like it!". When it turns out to be a return ticket for Laurel, Blanche's response reflects that of the audience, as we are horrified by the deceptive action. Not only is he symbolically referring her back to her troubled past, but he is also choosing to frame the moment as if it were a gift, something that illustrates kindness and generosity. It is clear that these are not Stanley's goals, and that he only has a dislike for Blanche and everything she represents (the politeness of the Deep South and the faded culture it has become). By controlling this scenario and distorting Blanche's emotions, Stanley is able to cause further emotional damage. Williams's sympathy for the destruction of the Deep South and his kindness means that this act was downright cruel: he wanted us as an audience to see Blanche's horrified and disgusted response to feel pity rather than believe that she deserves that pain. Williams creates empathy for his protagonist in this way. Furthermore, the use of plastic theater in the form of Varsouviana – which only the audience and Blanche can feel – further emulates this as they are invited to only resonate and connect with Blanche's emotions in the moment. Thus, Stanley is presented as cruel and intentionally harmful to others in his life - particularly Blanche as he constantly adds anguish and pain to hers. Additionally, the way he often treats Stella violently could indicate that Stanley is a villain.His outbursts of temper are extremely forceful and often chauvinistic, suggesting a lack of care about how he views those around him, including his loved ones. His comment during Scene 3 that "chickens interrupt that conversation" is particularly misogynistic and suggests a level of selfishness, since his wife and sister-in-law are expected to be out of the way or silent during the men's poker game. Later in this scene we see another moment that is much more violent and illustrates the fact that he will remove anyone who stands in his way to a goal. When Blanche continues to listen to the radio and maintain a sphere of control over Mitch – “[waltzing]…with romantic gestures” – Stanley “fiercely…throws [the radio] out the window.” When Stella rushes to the men and asks them to leave, to end the evening, Stanley lashes out wildly at her and she is hit. The speed with which this happens is remarkable. Several rapid-fire actions are described in the captions, and the reader can imagine the speed with which they all happen. Using audible elements of women “[shouting]” and “[screaming]” along with action verbs such as “advance” and “grab,” Williams creates the sense of sudden aggression mixed with hysteria. The suddenness of the dramatic moment illustrates how quickly Stanley lashes out and becomes wild with violence – he is willing in that moment to attack Stella who is getting in the way of his evening going as planned. We see this expectation – that he is in control – in scene 8 when he exclaims “I am the king around here” and “throws” some dishes on the floor. This reference to Huey Long indicates his belief in asserting power, hard work, and being the "king" of his family. At times like these, women (even the one he loves) are simply secondary in the way he often treats them: he expects to be the "king" and to constantly maintain this position of power. Williams' own father, Cornelius, brought a fierce anger into their family home and this had a significant effect on his younger sister Rose. Already struggling with mental illness, Rose retreated further into herself due to her father's regular anger. It is possible therefore that Williams wanted to draw attention to the problems of domestic violence as it had strong effects on his sister and himself while growing up, particularly as Rose later had to be hospitalized due to her fleeting mental safety. Representing this paternal violence through Stanley allows Williams to exploit the damaging effects that come with it – including the effect that these sudden outbursts have on Blanche (who is particularly fragile and who we ultimately come to pity the most) means that the public becomes aware of it. problems. However, it is notable that Stanley's actions are in favor of his family and their future. He ultimately acts to support and provide for Stella at the end of the day, even though his outbursts often border on abusive and intimidating. When we first see Stanley, he is returning home with a “red-stained packet of meat” – Williams here portrays the image of a primitive hunter returning home with food for his family. Furthermore, during an outburst in scene 7, he announces that he is “one hundred percent. American, born and raised in the greatest country on earth and proud of it. This patriotic moment reminds us that Stanley is loyal and focused on the lifestyle he has built in America. Stella also indicates how focused he is on the future and is working hard by telling Blanche "Stanley is the only one in his group who will probably get anywhere." So although what it does to Blanche is immensely.’.