Witthawin Sinprasert

English 12
Mr. Bishop
4th April 2019
How Is Blanche’s Identity Shaped?

To what extent are individuals free to shape their own identities? Identity is the

combination of behavior, thought, attitude and perception. Likewise, a person’s identity is

primarily shaped by many aspects namely society, culture, and surrounding environments. In

A Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams, identity has been limited and one can not

express their personal individuality to the fullest because the characters live in the society,

they are influenced by many aspects of the society. Thus, there are some of the identity that

cannot exist whether it be personality, attitude, status, etc.

First of all, some people hide their identity to protect and make themselves feel better.

Some hide their identity to concealed their false. Some hide because of they have no choice.

For instance, “I don’t want realism, I want magic! [MITCH laughs] Yes, yes, magic! I try to

give that to people. I misrepresent things to them. I don’t tell the truth, I tell what ought to be

the truth. And if that is sinful, then let me be damned for it!-Don’t turn the light on!” (scene

9, p.86). Blanche doesn't obtain the attitude of accepting who she is. In addition, she tells an

untruth time and time again, she perhaps seeks fulfillment. But when it comes to her, she

does not consider it important. Thus, this is the scenario that shows and approves that she is

living in an illusion. Additionally, realism is the moment that Blanche does not satisfy with.

She feels physically and mentally tortured with the event that causes her suffering and

distress. Therefore, the solution that she thought it suits to her is to be a liar, ฺ Blanche fear of

what might happen if she told the truth and her afraid of the consequences of her actions, so

she lies to cover up what they did. Another reason is that she uses it for a tool to create an

image or illusion in order to improve her identity. In the last line of the quote, Blanche speaks

“Don't turn the light on”. It infers that she does not want Mitch to turn on the lights because
she lost her confidence, unwilling to show her imperfection. Besides, Blanche needs to

reshape reality in several ways. Notwithstanding, Blanche does not admit and accept the truth

as she is highly expected from the society because she comes from southern belle where the

society is often characterized by fashion elements and their community is acknowledged an

upper class compared to others. Southern belles women were expected to become ladies of

the society dedicated to the family and community meaning that ladies in Southern belle is a

quality woman. Thus, she does not have much choice to choose as her identity is not a quality

woman. As an example, Blanche is tragic, often getting their desires fulfilled by sexual

activity and living in her own fantasies. Consequently, Blanche’s identity is mostly

influenced by the society, she can not let everyone around recognize the truth of her by virtue

of if they notice Blanches’ behavior, no one will keep in touch with her and she has to

substitute truth with illusion. The culture that Blanche experience throughout life plays a role

in her unique personality. Apart from the quote, Blanche is the one who has ability to control

Mitch because Mitch believe that blanche is great woman and the one who he can marry

with. But when the time pass by Mitch know all the facade that Blanche has been hide all the

time. Therefore, she lost truth from Mitch.

Another evidence that demonstrates the blanche’s identity relies much on others is

presented as Blanche speaks “Whoever you are—I have always depended on the kindness of

strangers.” (scene 11, p.107). In particular, Blanche relies on the man to protect her and for

happiness. Most of the time, she was confident because someone praised her. Furthermore,

she has an unconcerned about who she really meet even though they are strangers. It is a

compliment that fulfills her and releases her from loneliness after her husband died. To sum

up, the character of Blanche does not shape much from herself, she depends on others for her
happiness. It is fraught with complexities and experience in her life. Her mental is inherited

from the past and social group which shapes her identity.
Part B

Who I am? What am I meant to be? Identity is a human development by people

recognize who they are and what you define yourself as being. As an I grows up in society

whether it be family, school or culture, they all had a huge impact on my life namely

personality, beliefs, morality, happiness, sadness and identity. Those of the effect can be

positive or negative to live. Notwithstanding, I am the person who most influenced by my

family and culture, I have learned myself by reflecting on my experience.

The family has had an impact on my lifestyle. I was born in Thailand and grew up

with the Thai family. Thus, my identity has a lot to do with family. I and my family live close

to each other, maintaining a strong link. Hence, I have learned and developed a lot of stuff

from them. Additionally, I have adapted more things that my parents have taught me through

their antics. For example, my dad is the person who always on time and I have been forced

indirectly to be good at time management. The word "routine" has always sent in my mind.

At first, I think that it should be a strict day with no free time. But, I'm starting to realize there

are a lot of many benefits at the present time. Additionally, Family also influence the way I

think and act. They were very kind and they taught me how to deal with the problem when

I’m having a bad day. Furthermore, the life of people is nothing different from the characters

in A Streetcar Named Desire, people in there are impacted by the environment around them.

To specify, Blanche’ appearances are enormously important because of the society in

southern belle in which it is a noble community. She had to have good looking because if she

cannot find a husband then, she is considered an equality woman.

In summary, There are several reasons that develop the identity of people. Some of

them influence positively and some are negative but no matter what shapes your identity, it

does not define your totally identity. You can always change it.