Different literature characters trigger different emotions in the reader’s mind. Some characters are likable and induce empathy, while others can cause irritation and aggression. However, there are characters who have controversial personalities and storpes. For example, Blanche Dubois from A Streetcar Named Desire can be a sympathetic and even admirable character, despite her flaws.
To understand the reasons why Blanche can be called a controversial character, it is necessary to look at her past and present. At the beginning of the story, she comes to visit her sister, Stella, and her husband, and seems to be a refined lady. Throughout the play, the reader gradually learns more and about her past. Blanche lies about her age, about the men who love her, about her position in society, and her whole life. It turns out that she has lost her job because of intercourse with men. More and more lies are revealing throughout the play. Blanche starts to believe in her own stories about a rich man who fell in love with her. At the end of the play, her mental state worsens so much that Stella commits her into an insane asylum. This is the dark and unpleasant side of Blanche’s character.
However, it is possible to sympathize with such a character as Blanche, as she had solid reasons to behave the way she did. Her lies were an attempt to forget the pain that lived inside her heart after her husband’s death and betrayal. Besides, she was not really guilty in her behavior, as it were the men who first spent time with her and after were viciously gossiping about her. The patriarchal society made a toy of a woman and then turned away from her. The hypocritical and double-standard moral made Blanche create her own reality made of illusion, and finally, she gets insane, starting to believe in her own stories. In the end, she gets betrayed by everyone, including her sister. Thus, it can be said that despite the flaws, Blanche Dubois can elicit sympathy from the reader.
Besides, there are bright sides to Blanche’s personality that can make her admirable. First of all, she is a very charming and beautiful woman. She knows how to look attractive and knows how to make men fall in love with her. For example, for her only one evening was enough to charm Mitch. Exquisite gowns, refined manners, and cheerfulness make her a striking woman. Being a teacher, she cites writers, such as Edgar Allan Poe, and has a pretty original vision of the world.
Blanche had many losses in her life, but she survived and stood them out bravely. Even after deaths, financial problems, and the betrayal of her husband, she still shines bright, smiles, and is waiting for some miracle to save her from the world. Instead of becoming hardened and cruel-hearted, she creates beautiful illusions. In hard times she did not lose her refinement and criticizes her sister’s husband for being cruel and rude. Besides, Blanche has a kind heart because she wants to save her sister, seeing that her husband mistreats her. Thus, Blanche Dubois has a dark side, but she has admirable traits of character as well.
Reference
Williams, T. A Streetcar Named Desire. Signet, 1974.