Explore the Similarities and Differences in the...

Explore the similarities and differences in the presentation of female characters in A Streetcar Named Desire and The World’s wife In this essay, I will be exploring the similarities and differences of female characters in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Tennessee Williams; and ‘The World’s Wife’ by Carol Ann Duffy. Both texts denote women as somewhat weak and incompetent and as having a predatory attitude towards the mainly dominant male characters. A Streetcar Named Desire was written in 1945 and it initially connected with America’s new found taste for realism following the Great Depression and World War II. William’s based the character of Blanche on his sister who was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Williams himself was homosexual, and†¦show more content†¦In ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, the reader is able to see Stella fulfil the role of a protective mother when agreeing to send Blanche to a mental institution. Despite Blanches shocking accusations, Stella must ignore her sister for the sake of her child. Eunice says to her ‘you done the right thing, the only thing you could do.’ The reader is able to see the role of a female friend. In this case Eunice supports Stella through the difficult time. This is similar to ‘Queen Herod’ as in the poem, Duffy shows her as having a lack of sense when it comes down to her baby daughter. ‘Kill each mother’s son. Do it. Spare not one.’ Her sheer ruthlessness has been brought to light. In ‘Queen Herod’, Duffy also makes references to friendship and sisterhood. ‘The black Queen scooped out my breast,’ this quote shows that women are willing to help each other in their times of need. The traditional qualities of a wife are subverted in ‘Medusa’. Duffy presents Medusa as a woman who has been engulfed by jealousy, caused by her adulterous husband. ‘My brides breath soured stank in the grey bags of my lungs.’ This quote displays that Medusa was once young and beautiful, but as a result of marriage has become hideous. This contrasts with the character of Stella in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, who is a devoted and loving wife despite the way Stanley behaves towards her.’ He didnt know what he was doing....He wasShow MoreRelatedProject Mgmt296381 Words   |  1186 Pagescertified Scrum Master. v â€Å"Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.† Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. To my family who have always encircled me with love and encouragement—my parents (Samuel and Charlotte), my wife (Mary), my sons and their wives (Kevin and Dawn, Robert and Sally) and their children (Ryan, Carly, Connor and Lauren). C.F.G. â€Å"We must not cease from exploration and the end of all exploring will be to arrive where we begin and to know the place