Blog Post 3

It has been argued that in A Streetcar Named Desire Blanche is insane, but what is insanity? Merriam Webster dictionary has two definitions for insanity. In the law sense, insanity is defined as “unsoundness of mind or lack of the ability to understand that prevents one from having the mental capacity required by law to enter into a particular relationship, status, or transaction or that releases one from criminal or civil responsibility.” The common definition is “extreme folly or unreasonableness; something utterly foolish or unreasonable”. According to society, though, I think insanity is anything that seems extravagantly different than what is considered “normal”. As said by Greek philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, “One person's craziness is another person's reality.” For example, a middle class family might think that paying $35 for a steak dinner would be insane, but to the wealthy family that might seem reasonable. The circumstances in which you live and your experiences dictate the way you see reality versus insanity. All of the above definitions have parts that definitely apply to Blanche and the idea that she is insane.

In the law definition, it says that the lack of ability to understand affects the ability to make relationships or appeal to a certain status. One of the main conflicts throughout the play is Blanche’s attitude toward Stella’s and Stanley’s lifestyle and vice versa. Blanche has certain indulgences, such as taking longs baths and wearing shiny jewels, that she deems necessary. When she sees that Stella and Stanley do not take part in these “essentials”, she cannot really bring herself to fully understand why Stella would leave her life of luxury for a lower status. This inability to relate to the lifestyle that leads to many conflicts throughout the story makes her, by definition, insane.

When using crazy as a synonym to insanity, this reasoning also applies to Nietzsche’s quote. Blanche seems absolutely crazy to Stanley because Blanche’s actions do not match his idea of reality. However, Blanche’s reality was caused by her circumstances, so she does not see herself as insane. To the average person, Blanche’s actions seem extravagant and unreasonable, so much so that Stella puts her in a mental institute. In this case, normality was determined by Stella and Stanley, not society, but the comparison still stands.  

American writer Philip K. Dick once said “It is sometimes an appropriate response to reality to go insane.” I do think that Blanch is, by definition, crazy. However, I think her insanity is a rational response to her world and experiences. Blanche’s inability to relate to Stanley because of status is a product of her societal upbringing, not purposeful ignorance. While Blanche does act socially unreasonable and essentially makes up her own life, it is a coping mechanism. Blanche’s husband killed himself after she found out he was gay, she lost her house, and she was raped by her sister’s husband. I think that this is a prime example of how what is not accepted socially is not necessarily irrational to the perceived “insane” person.