6.2.2
Psychoanalytic Approach
Psychoanalytic Approach
Psychoanalytic Approach
Psychoanalysis is a discipline developed by the famous neurologist Sigmund Freud (1856-1939).
Psychoanalysis explained
Psychoanalysis explained
- In summary, psychoanalysis is the idea that the way we behave as humans is largely driven by unconscious desires.
- Freud also stated that we sometimes become aware of these unconscious desires through slips of the tongue or what we dream about as we sleep.
- A psychoanalytic approach to A Streetcar Named Desire would, therefore, focus on the clues Williams gives us about the unconscious desires of the characters.
Stanley's desire
Stanley's desire
- On the face of it, Stanley hates what Blanche stands for (both her high ideas, culture and her shady past).
- But at the same time, Stanley is intrigued and sexually stimulated by it.
- This is despite – or even because of the fact – that he is married to Blanche’s sister.
- Freudian theorists may argue that, had Stanley married Blanche instead of Stella, then he would be more sexually fulfilled and happier.
Blanche's desire
Blanche's desire
- Blanche is both repulsed by and strongly attracted to Stanley.
- She wishes he were more cultured and less common, but at the same time she finds his masculinity attractive and sexy.
- Stanley is dangerous and she finds this attractive.
- Freudian theorists might argue that Blanche made mistakes early on in her life by marrying an effeminate husband who did not reveal his homosexuality to her. She is therefore desirous of the ‘ultra-masculinity’ of Stanley.
1Context & Overview
1.1The Author
1.2Social Context & Setting
2Scene Summaries
2.3Scene Three
2.5Scene Five
2.6Scene Six
2.7Scene Seven
2.9Scene Nine
2.10Scene Ten
3Character Profiles
3.1Blanche DuBois & Stanley Kowalski
3.2Stella Kowalski & Harold Mitchell (Mitch)
4Key Ideas
4.1Sex & Gender
4.2Appearances, Fantasy & Reality
5Writing Techniques
5.2Genre, Form & Language
6Critical Debates
6.1Early & Modern Reception
6.2Feminist, Psychoanalytic & Marxist Approach
7Ideas About Tragedy
7.1Ideas About Tragedy
Jump to other topics
1Context & Overview
1.1The Author
1.2Social Context & Setting
2Scene Summaries
2.3Scene Three
2.5Scene Five
2.6Scene Six
2.7Scene Seven
2.9Scene Nine
2.10Scene Ten
3Character Profiles
3.1Blanche DuBois & Stanley Kowalski
3.2Stella Kowalski & Harold Mitchell (Mitch)
4Key Ideas
4.1Sex & Gender
4.2Appearances, Fantasy & Reality
5Writing Techniques
5.2Genre, Form & Language
6Critical Debates
6.1Early & Modern Reception
6.2Feminist, Psychoanalytic & Marxist Approach
7Ideas About Tragedy
7.1Ideas About Tragedy
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