A Streetcar Named Desire: Theme & Key Quotes: Sex

Sex is portrayed as a powerful and destructive force, that can lead to both creation (Stella’s pregnancy) and destruction (the deaths of Allan Grey and Blanche’s reputation).
The play explores how the lines between sex and violence can often be blurred, particularly in the actions and attitudes of Stanley.
Sex also serves as a method of escapism for characters such as Blanche, who uses flirtation and seduction to distract from harsh realities.

Desire and Power: Sex is frequently used as a tool of manipulation and control throughout the play. Stanley uses well-timed sexual dominance to remind Stella of his authority, even after acts of violence.
Sexuality and Identity: Blanche’s attraction to young men may symbolise her desperate attempts to cling onto youth and desirability.
Decay and Corruption: Tainted by sexual scandal, Blanche’s past reflects the corrosive aspects of unchecked sexuality.
Sex and Social Constructs: Stanley’s aggressive sexual behaviour highlights toxic aspects of masculinity, whilst society’s judgement on Blanche illustrates the sexual double standards faced by women.

“We’ve had this date with each other from the beginning!” - Stanley to Blanche, indicating the power play and sexual tension between them.
“Desire! The name of that rattle-trap street-car that bangs through the Quarter…” - Blanche, where ‘desire’ serves as a metaphor for sex.
“He was tender with her. He wasn’t cruel…” - Blanche about her husband Allan. This quote contrasts Blanche’s ideal of sexual relationships as compared to Stanley’s approach.

Symbolism is used throughout the play to represent the theme of sex, with the streetcar ‘Desire’ acting as a constant reminder of its driving force in the narrative.
The play uses dramatic irony, as the audience is aware of Blanche’s sexual past before the other characters.
Contrast is used to highlight the differing sexual attitudes of the characters.
The tragic downfall of Blanche due to her sexual history is a key feature of the play’s structure.
Tennessee Williams employs stage directions to convey sexual tension and power dynamics between characters.