Blanche’s “world” is often contrasted to the world of Stanley’s and Stella’s. Blanche firmly states the kind of world she wants: “I don’t want realism. I want - magic!”
- In what way is Blanche’s world an illusion?
- Is it any less real than that of Stanley or Stella?
- What defines reality in A Streetcar Named Desire?
- What defines illusion
Blanche dwells in illusion; fantasy is her primary means of self-defense, both against outside threats and against her own demons. But her deceits carry no trace of malice, but rather they come from her weakness and inability to confront the truth head-on. She is a quixotic figure, seeing the world not as it is but as it ought to be. Fantasy has a liberating magic that protects her from the tragedies she has had to endure. Throughout the play, Blanche's dependence on illusion is contrasted with Stanley's steadfast realism, and in the end it is Stanley and his worldview that win. To survive, Stella must also resort to a kind of illusion, forcing herself to believe that Blanche's accusations against Stanley are false so that she can continue living with her husband.
http://www.gradesaver.com/a-streetcar-named-desire/study-guide/themes
