Compare and Contrast the Ways Women Are Presented in Both 'Wuthering Heights' and 'a Streetcar Named Desire'

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Introduction Compare and contrast the ways women are presented in both 'Wuthering Heights' and 'A Streetcar Named Desire' 'Wuthering Heights' and 'A Streetcar Named Desire' both centre around male and female relationships and the human emotions associated with this. It is therefore not surprising that Brontë and Williams have focused on creating such powerful characterisation within the texts, both have deliberated on painting very strong, vivid female characters and it is interesting to see regardless of the difference in setting, era and circumstances, how the female characters in both texts can be compared. The vulnerability of women is explored in both texts. Both Blanche and Catherine have an almost child-like helplessness which perhaps could be viewed as both the product and the cause of their shared madness. Blanche is introduced to the audience instantly as a vulnerable creature. The stage directions in 'A Streetcar Named Desire' describe her as 'dressed in a white suit with a fluffy bodice, necklace and earrings of pearl, white gloves and hat.' On one hand, this portrays an image of elegance and glamour as she is well dressed, but on the other hand we can also depict from this a sense of fragility which is also reflected in her resemblance to a moth. The colour white has been used symbolically on Blanche to create an image of purity and innocence, something untainted that needs protection. The 'fluffy' texture of her bodice also enhances her sense of softness and her fine jewellery reflects an image of delicacy. Her vulnerability is then further exaggerated by her being 'incongruous to [the] setting' of Elysian Fields. The area is 'poor' and has an 'atmosphere of decay' whereas she is 'looking as if she were arriving at a summer tea or cocktail party in the garden district' showing how clearly out of place she is in this surrounding. This as well as her
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