Robert M. (shotokanchef) reviewed on 10/26/2009 + 813 more book reviews

In Ole Nawlens live Stanley Kowalskiâa working class stiffâand his wife Stella. In spite of Stanley's abusive nature, they are in love. The Stella's screwed up sister, Blanche, moves in with them. She has been fired from her teaching position for having as affair with a 17-year old student: the pinnacle of her many affairs. Oh, and her husband has committed suicide after turning homosexual. Stanley takes umbrage with her and, when his friend, Mitch, shows an interest in her, Stanley sets him straight. While doing so, of course, we get the implication that Stanley has forced himself on Blanche. So much for hypocrisy, not to mention adultery. Anyway, Stanley gets the last word by having her committed to a mental institution: a recurrent theme of the author that is reflective of his own dysfunctional family.

There are many parallels between Tennessee William's âA Streetcar Named Desireâ (1947) and Arthur Miller's âA View From the Bridgeâ (1955).

A Streetcar Named Desire A View From the Bridge
Stanley Kowalski Eddie Carbone
Both domineering, working class stiffs. Both are on a collision course with family.

Stanley assaults Blanche Eddie has a repressed enamour with Catherine.

Stella Beatrice Both try in vain to keep the peace.

Blanche Catherine
Blanche is Stella's sister. Catherine is B's niece.

Mitch Rodolpho
Mitch is Stanley's friend. Rodolpho is an immigrant relative of B.

And Blanche sings âPaper Moon,â Rodolpho sings âPaper Doll.â

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details