Why Can’t Blanche and Stanley Just Get Along?
             In A Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams uses astrology and character names to further define the two main characters, Blanche and Stanley. Blanche is a Virgo, whereas Stanley is a Capricorn. Both have very different characteristics, which cannot blend with one another. It is evident that Blanche and Stanley alienate each other further because of their astrological signs; Virgos are more sensitive while Capricorns are more realistic.
             Throughout the play, Blanche expresses positive aspects that are described by her astrological sign (Virgo). A Virgo "is intellectual, critical, fussy, shrewd, logical, methodical, practical, and has teaching ability. They can lack confidence and need constant reassurance" (Signs In Detail: Virgo). This coincides with Blanche because she used to be an English teacher but was fired. Furthermore, when first entering the apartment she acts in a very critical manner; "Oh, I’m not going to be hypocritical, I’m going to be honestly critical about it… Only Mr. Edgar Allan Poe! – Could do it justice… Why didn’t you tell me… that you had to live in these conditions" (Williams 20). Blanche is also a character that always needs reassurance about her looks. She mentions to her sister, Stella, that she hasn’t put on an ounce in ten years and asks about her appearance. However, then she criticizes her sister by telling her to watch her hips and maybe do something with her hair, not knowing that Stella is pregnant. Blanche can be described as the ‘perfect’ Virgo if compared to its traditional traits.
             Blanche also conveys some negative aspects of the sign Virgo. She is a character who does not show her age, another Virgo rule. In her living area, the light is made dim and before leaving the house, she applies makeup to hide her age. The Chinese paper lantern may represent her co...