Blanche's "Insanity"

According to Psychology Today, the definition of insanity is “mental illness of such a severe nature that a person cannot distinguish fantasy from reality, cannot conduct her/his affairs due to psychosis, or is subject to uncontrollable impulsive behavior” (Howes, 2009). Blanche, from Tennessee Williams "A Streetcar Named Desire" presents sides of herself throughout the piece that could leave her fitting this definition. The definition that Psychology Today gives a very thorough explanation with multiple examples of the ways someone can display psychosis. One thing this definition does include is the subject of this very famous quote, “doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” This is both interesting and beneficial when discussing the dynamic character that Tennessee Williams creates, because Blanche does not display much repetition. Blanche through her responses to multiple traumas attempts to adapt throughout the work. In fact, one can make the argument that Blanche is not insane, she is someone, attempting to juggle the many aspects of her life, and is falsely labeled when she is overburdened.

When looking at Blanche as a character beyond this definition, one can see how she struggles with the expectations of women of the time. In the society that Blanche is living in, the expectations of women are in limbo between dependence and independence. “Sane” women are supposed to be both dutiful wives who rely on their husbands, and independent, with their own ideals and identities. Her attempt at following masculinity in the traditional “sane” method of her time, marrying and taking care of Belle Reve, this leads her to both betrayal and trauma in the suicide of her homosexual husband as well as losing her childhood home. Blanche holds the blame for this, she says “I failed him” (Williams, p. 95) multiple times throughout the passage discussing his death. Readers can see the effect that this situation has had on her though the stage directions, “She makes an effort to speak, but the words won’t come… her breath is released in long sobs.” (Williams, p. 96). Blanche, after this trauma makes an adjustment so she cannot be hurt in that way again. She makes a change towards being more independent, Blanche is seen as “insane” because of changed her behaviors in her interactions with men. Blanche adapts after traditional roles had left her hurt, “She moved to the Flamingo… used to all kinds of goings-on… they kicked her out of [that] high school…. A seventeen-year-old boy she’d gotten mixed up with” (Williams, pp. 99-100) Blanche is seeking clarity, and should not be judged for it, but rather guided. The expectations of this society that Blanche live in are not decisive, and when a choice is made, always make her out to be the villain instead of the victim of this instability. Tennessee Williams through this text illustrates the debilitating process of trying to fit a mold in society. That in Blanche’s case, the masculinity she is told to depend on, will be her downfall.

Another reason Blanche is seen as being insane is her perception of reality. Blanche’s coping mechanism is an imaginary boyfriend, “Shep Huntleigh… inviting me on a cruise of the Caribbean… this man is a gentleman and he respects me…Physical beauty is passing… But beauty of the mind and richness of the spirit and the tenderness of the heart- I have all of these things and they aren’t taken away, but grow!” (Williams, pp. 124-126). Blanche reveals in this quote that she wishes for someone that can financially provide for her, but she also craves connection. The idea of Shep is a cry for love and emotional intimacy that she has not witnessed in her life. The reason that Shep is brought into her conversation with Stella after the fight with Stanley, is that she sees someone in a relationship reliant on lust rather than love, “I have a plan to get us both—out! ...In some kinds of people, some tenderer feelings have had some little beginning! That we have got to make grow!” (Williams, pp. 69-70)  Blanche does not wish for her sister to go through the same pain she did. Stella, and other characters, are accepting of their positions in life. Blanche is the only one that is attempting to make changes to better herself in the best way that she can, though she is idealistic. Shep is a manifestation of her seeking change, love, and how the real world has not provided for her.

The argument made here is that Blanche is not insane, but someone confused and attempting to stay stable in an ever-changing world. The point that Tennessee Williams is trying to make in this piece is that people largely remain unchanged because of the burden that change has on people. That progress comes with a cost that must be shared or else it will be overwhelming. That in a lot of cases, nothing is done because not enough people care to come together to help. Another point is that trauma in this piece is not regarded. That Blanche is not given support after the loss of her husband and her home is insane. Expecting her to be able to move on is insane. The people that surround Blanche are the ones that have issues if they cannot recognize that. That “insanity” or many types of psychosis can be stopped in their development if support, love, and recognition were given.