Changing Elements
In the play, Blanche’s husband Dave died and that is why they were living with her sister Kate. But what if Dave was still alive? Kate: “when Dave died, I cried for his loss. I was so angry. Angry at God for taking such a young man (pg. 97)”. I think that if Dave was alive it would greatly impact all of the characters. First off, his wife Blanche would not have to dependent on her sister and her family to help her take care of her two daughters. Blanche’s daughter Nora would not have to ask her uncle for life advice on whether she should join the dance group. “At least your father is still alive and around the house to make decisions. You don’t know when you are well off (pg. 41).” If Dave was alive she might have been able to go with the dance group and ended up on Broadway, just like she wanted. Also, they would all not be stuck in their financial problem and avoided all the big fights they had been through. Another thing that would change everything is that if this story happened in this era. Blanche’s mom would have an easier time being more independent. She could get on her own two feet. Kate’s husband would get better medical care. And Blanche’s daughter Laurie would get better treatment for the “flutter” in her heart. The two families would be more at peace all together. But I'm glad they the play was written that way because they truly understood the value of family.
Dave being alive would take a huge weight off of all of the characters shoulders. Jack wouldn't have had a heart attack either from working to support so many people. Not to mention, Stanley wouldn't have been scared to tell him about losing his job because it wouldn't be like the family would be dependent since it would now only be four of them. He also wouldn't have gambled away 17 dollars nor would he have ran away since him losing his job wouldn't be as big of a blow to the family. There lives would just be easier if Dave was still around.
ReplyDeleteYour absolutely right. If Dave was alive, Stanley loosing his job would not have such a big impact like it did in the story. He would have never had to think of other options of getting money like running away either.
DeleteI agree with the change of era. I actually forgot about this factor when writing my post. It is a creative way to look at it. We as women now are so much more privileged then we were back then. Blanche was struggling after her husband died and had to rely on everyone because it was impossible for her to get a job. But eventually when her and her sister got into that fight she realized just how dependent she truly was. I'm glad you brought this factor up because it also shows just how much the world has changed. But I would not change the written piece because it had great family value as you said.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you.This era women are more privileged and I believe they became more confident in their ability to be independent. Now they get vote, get a job and even get babysitting if needed. So they do not have to be dependent on anyone to live their life.
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