The Way That Individuals Choose to Assert Power Is Shaped by Their Society and Context- in Texts "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Mean Girls".

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“The way that individuals choose to assert power is shaped by their society and context.”- In texts ‘A Streetcar named desire’ and ‘Mean Girls’ Individuals assert power in many ways, but all for the same outcome of control, dominance or influence over individuals, groups or a situation. In a materialistic context individuals strive to stand out and to dominate over others. The play “A Streetcar Name Desire” written by Tennessee Williams and the film “Mean Girls” directed by Mark Waters explore how an individual’s society and context shape the ways in which they assert power. This is shown through the central characters of Regina George and Blanche Debois who assert power in ways that are strongly influenced by conflicting social contexts. Placed in the patriarchal context of 1940’s America when women depended on a man to have a fulfilling life. Blanche asserts power when in a vulnerable state to gain control and feel more comfortable in the situation. The Concept of power is shown in the play “A Streetcar Name Desire” through the character Blanche Debois. When Blanche first comes to 1940’s New Orleans from her family estate Belle Reve in the south she feels exposed and vulnerable in this new and working class city. Blanche then shows power and control over her sister to hide her exposed vulnerability by condescending Stella’s lifestyle and housing situation. This is shown in her explanations “Now, explain this place to me! What are you doing in a place like this?” Here this patronizing question emphasizes Blanches desperate need to gain power and feel more confortable in the situation. Blanche’s life is spiraling out of control and moving down the social scale, and the only place she still has power and control over is over her younger sister Stella. The concept of using ones vulnerabilities to another’s advantage to gain power is also show throughout

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