Blinded by Desire

In A Streetcar Named Desire , passengers ride a little streetcar named Desire. In traveling down a rickety old road, they receive a glimpse of their most desired destination; Elysian Fields. An allusion to heaven, so close in the distance, and almost within their grasps. Blinded by their notions of happiness, they heed no caution, and continue traveling down this narrow little road. But, wait, as their journey is quickly forestalled; Desire doesn't lead to Elysian Fields, desire doesn't lead to happiness. Well what does? Another streetcar named Cemeteries. As in death? No, as in life's harsh reality.

At some point in their lives, Stella and Blanche both travel down to New Orleans where they ultimately end up in Elysian Fields. Similarly, although under different circumstances, both sisters end up leaving their initial home at Belle Reve on the very notions of their own desires. In leaving and attempting to obtain happiness, these sisters readily take up their desires, only to be temporarily blinded and then forcibly shunned with reality.

Stella's relationship with Stanley is founded on her physical desire for sex. Although Stella cares for Stanley, she is constantly mistreated by him both physically and emotionally. Whenever she attempts to leave her relationship, her desire draws her back. After Stanley beats her, Stella leaves to Eunice's flat, only to go back to Stanley that very night. Her physical desires blind her again and again. She is unable to face reality, that Stanley is a horrible husband. Not only is he aggressive and abusive, but he is also unfaithful. After Blanche tells Stella that Stanley raped her, Stella chooses not to believe her. Instead she stays married to Stanley and moreover starts a family with him, which can be seen as her attempt to ignore the reality of her situation. Similarly, Blanche's own desires in multiple ways are physical. For instance, Blanche, just like Stella, is drawn into having physical relationships with men. She desires men unconditionally as demonstrated by her notorious reputation at the Flamingo hotel. Even more so, she constantly desires attention from men, as seen through her overly flirtatious behavior. Although Blanche doesn't necessarily enjoy her relationship with Mitch, she continues to see him because like Stella,she is blinded by her desire for attention, whether emotional or physical. Furthermore, Blanche desires marriage, even if this means resorting to marrying Mitch. Her desire for marriage so thoroughly overtakes takes her, that she chooses to lie to Mitch about her age and her past affairs. She is so blinded by her desire for attention that she continues to ignore the reality of her situation; Mitch does not want to marry her anymore. Instead she makes up stories about how he comes begging at her door in apology. She too, cannot come to terms with reality.

Blanche: Which way do we go now, Stella-this way?
Stella: No, this way. [She leads Blanche away.]
Blanche: [Laughing.] The blind are leading the blind!
(1555, Scene 3)

Both sisters are ultimately blinded by their similar desires.