Psychoanalytic Approach

Literature in English: Cambridge International GCSE A Streetcar Named Desire, topic 6.2.2

Psychoanalysis is a discipline developed by the famous neurologist Sigmund Freud (1856-1939).

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.

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 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.

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