PUB #2

 Mehmet Antapli

Professor Brady
Literature For the Soul/EGL 102
May 9, 2023

“It's All Just an Illusion”

A major part of A Streetcar Named Desire is the line, "I couldn't go on believing her story and live with Stanley" (Williams, Scene 11). It underlines the power dynamics in Stella's relationship with Stanley and illustrates the conflict between her allegiance to her sister and her spouse. Stanley exercises his authority over Stella physically and emotionally throughout the play. For instance, Stanley displays his violent inclinations in Scene 3 by throwing a pack of meat at Stella. He becomes combative with Stella in Scene 4 and orders her to cease interfering with his poker game.

Stella, however, starts to face the reality of her sister's past and Stanley's deeds in Scene 11. She admits that she can't stay with Stanley while still accepting Blanche's narrative and that she can no longer ignore the evidence against Blanche. With this insight, Stella's perspective changes, and she starts to doubt her commitment to Stanley and wonder whether he might not be the person she thought he was.

A Streetcar Named Desire is hardly the only instance of the tension between loyalty and the truth. People frequently have to decide whether to remain loyal to their political party or speak out against unethical or unlawful behavior in politics and current affairs. For instance, many Republicans had to choose between standing up for their party and criticizing former President Donald Trump's behavior during the current impeachment process. Some people, like Rep. Liz Cheney, made the decision to put their adherence to the truth and the Constitution above their allegiance to the Republican Party.

Stella's statement illustrates the psychological notion that in order to advance in one's own life, one must face difficult truths. Avoiding or denying uncomfortable topics can prolong emotional suffering and impede human development. Stella can start the process of healing and moving on by admitting the truth about her sister and her husband. Similar to this, people must face their own prejudices and preconceptions in order to address and overcome personal issues, even if this means questioning ingrained notions and views.

Stella's quotation, which highlights the tension between devotion and truth throughout the play, concludes. Williams focuses on the mechanics of power in relationships and how crucial it is to face difficult facts in order to go forward through Stella's character. Scene 11 of Williams' play