It's Just an illusion

In “A Streetcar Named Desire” written by Tennessee Williams, the characters have adapted themselves into the illusion world rather than facing reality. This seems to be the theme of the play which draws a contrast between illusion and real life. The idea of creating an illusion is mainly seen through Blanche’s character who wants to run away from the reality and live in her desires seen in her illusions. Blanche was accused of sleeping around with different men in Lauren. “I hate to tell you the reason that step was taken! A seventeen year old boy- she’d gotten mixed up with!” (Stanley, 1214). Stanley gives a clear reason of Blanche’s dismissal from the school because of her relationship with a school boy.

Blanche has moved to Stella’s house in order to hide the truth about her life in Lauren. Blanche is seen asking for whiskey at many occasions in the play. “Well, honey, a shot never does a Coke any harm! Let me! You mustn’t wait on me!” (Blanche, 1202). This is one place where she is seen asking for a shot from Stella indirectly. Perhaps liquor is one thing which gives her the strength to carry on with her illusions, which she is creating. Another case of illusion is seen in Mitch and Blanche’s relationship. Blanche is aware of the fact that Mitch is in search for a perfect woman. “I haven’t informed him-of my real age!” (Blanche, 1203). This is the time when she tells Stella how she hid her age from Mitch when they had a conversation.  Also this is seen in the line “I want to deceive him enough to make him want me” (Blanche, 1203).  She wants Mitch to see her as the woman he needs, and that is the reason she hides herself in darkness, to show only her good side to Mitch. Blanche owns a trunk filled with her attire she loves. She wears the crown with the jewelry and pretends like a princess. “How do I look?” (Blanche, 1185). These lines from Blanche are quite common as she is always inquiring about her attributes. Blanche has created a fantasy that she is a flawless beauty.

Stella comes from a wealthy background but she left home at an early age. She fell in love with a man in an officer uniform and shiny medals. She was mesmerized by his appearance at first glance. But the truth is seen as the play proceeds. Her husband, Stanley physically abuses of her, while she is carrying their baby, but she is in chimerical mindset about Stanley being an impeccable man. “You lay your hands on me and I’ll…” (Stella, 1190). This is the poker night when a drunk Stanley charges her and despite this action she is seen loving him as usual afterwards. Stanley has not shown the qualities of a loyal husband. Despite the fact that he is about to become a father, he rapes Blanche. When Stella gets to know about the fact, she, without any hesitation, believes Stanley rather than her sister. “I couldn’t go on believing her story and live with Stanley” (Stella, 1232). She cannot furthermore stand the doings of Blanche as Blanche is constantly creating a fake image in front of everyone. Probably, the story told by Blanche about her rape is also considered as fake by Stella. If she agrees to this story of Blanche, she will no longer be in illusion but will face the reality. Her illusion makes her believe that Stanley and she are a perfect couple. Stella finds it hard to leave Stanley for her sister’s rape, therefore she takes the easy way of disregarding Blanche. At this point of time she has become more like her sister and has started believing in a mirage. Living in the house with Stanley and Blanche will always bother her which she doesn’t want, therefore she has finally decided to rather let Blanche go from the place and live happily with Stanley.  Stella and Blanche have found it as best in their minds to live in illusion. But living it for too long takes away their reality as what happened with Stella in “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

External situations of the real world may cause depression to a person. The same is shown in the movie PRECIOUS. This is a story about an obese and illiterate girl named, Precious. She lives in New York City with her abusive, unemployed mother who has subjected her to mental and physical torture. She has been raped by her father and she faces two pregnancies. The real life of Precious is full of trauma and she cannot take that any longer. She has chosen a way out of this, which is daydreaming. She has created a mindset and dreams about her alternate, chimerical world where she is loved and appreciated. Her situation is very similar to Stella where she assumes Stanley to be loyal to her, despite the fact that, deep in her conscience, she is aware that Stanley actually raped Blanche. I personally have seen in my real life the example of fakeness for other people. My uncle owns a big mansion and he is really rich. He is seen as one of the wealthiest men in the state. To me he appeared as a source of inspiration and I wondered how lucky one would be with that much wealth. I changed my thinking when once I got to know him personally. He has been divorced for many years and his son doesn’t even listen to him. My uncle is ready to trade all his wealth for his family in order to be happy. Despite the fact that he is unhappy, he keeps himself busy in his business and stands out to be an idol for people. His case is also similar to that of Stella and Blanche where they have to fake for the outside world. Thus this stands out to be a perfect example for drawing a conclusion to the two faces of play which are illusion and reality.