Streetcar Named Desire: Id ,Ego, and Superego

AP English

In the play Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams shows great examples and relations of Id, Ego, and Superego. In the play the characters tie into each other weaving a great web of drama and suspense. Each one is a prime example of one of the three ego scenarios. It’s amusing how people can live in the same society and household but are so different. Stanley is married to Stella. Stella is Blanche’s younger sister. Blanche is the object of Stanley’s Id and the spark of Stella’s ego. Stella is the “middle man” or more of the “Ego” of the story. Stella plays both sides throughout the play. Pleasing both her husband and sister takes a dramatic toll on her. Stella possesses a substantial percentage of Ego. Blanche brings that out of her numerous times as the play unfolds. In scene three where Blanche is in the shower and Stanley is going through her things. Stella tells Stanley how stupid he is being with his assumption of Blanche Selling Belle Reve and keeping the money to herself. Stella bulks up and steps in to protect her sister’s things while explaining to Stanley why Blanche has those things. In the beginning of the play, Stella doesn’t come off as a defender. But as we continue reading every time Blanche is targeted or insulted by Stanley, Stella defends her to the best of her abilities. However, towards the end of the play in Scene ten after Stanley rapes Blanche, Stella isn’t there for her sister. In actuality, Stella signs her sister into an insane asylum and continues her life with Stanley. Showing how Stella serves as the ego of the Play.Blanche Plays around with her Id and Superego identity. Blanche gives of Superego Attributes and morals but in the end does what she wants to do. Bouncing around in these identities would make most readers think that’s what drove her to insanity. Having to build a façade for people to accept her. Dealing with past Slip ups, her family’s financial setbacks and to top it all off her brother–in- law abuses her sister that is now with child. The Id identity flaunts itself all throughout the play, As Blanche wears want she wants, drinks what she wants, and expresses herself elaborately and in great detail. Especially, when talking about Stanley and how he treats Stella. Blanche’s superego up rises around the middle of the play where she first meets Mitch. Blanche paints the perfect picture for him to except her, falling fond of Mitch quickly. As soon as Mitch leaves the room, Blanche drops a bomb of questions inquiring Mitch. Blanche wants the happily ever after life, where she and Mitch run off into the sunset and she can finally be happy. But as soon as Stanley catches Eye of this he intercedes. Stanley is a prime example of Id Identity. Just like a man he takes what he wants if he can’t have it, he takes it. He does what he pleases, as he pleases. Stella catered to him for as long as they’ve been together. However, all that changes when Blanche arrives and distracts Stella from her “Priorities”. This doesn’t please Stanley at all, it drives him to wanting to kill the bonds Blanche has with Stella and is developing with Mitch. Stanley’s Id identity craves Blanche and it didn’t rest until it was satisfied. In Scene ten, Stanley rapes Blanche. He gets what he’s wanted the entire play. No wonder he was so obsessed with her every move. He didn’t care about Mitch’s welfare, Stanley was jealous! Mitch had a better chance of “Getting his prize”. Mitch caught Blanche’s eyes and Stanley couldn’t bare the sight. Never mind the fact that Stanley is married to Stella, he still wants what he wants. And he wants Blanche. Desire and Jealousy motivated these actions but the Id identity sealed the deal.