I have always depended on the kindness of strangers

I have always depended on the kindness of strangers

"I have always depended on the kindness of strangers" is a famous line from Tennessee Williams' play, A Streetcar Named Desire. The character who utters these words, Blanche DuBois, is a complex and tragic figure who relies on the generosity of others to survive. Throughout the play, Blanche's dependence on strangers reveals her vulnerability and desperation, as well as the harsh realities of her life.

Blanche DuBois is a former Southern belle who has fallen on hard times. She has lost her family's estate, her job as a schoolteacher, and her reputation due to a series of personal tragedies and poor choices. As a result, she is forced to rely on the kindness of strangers to provide her with shelter, food, and companionship. Blanche's dependence on others is a reflection of her own insecurities and fears, as well as her inability to cope with the harsh realities of her life.

Throughout the play, Blanche's reliance on strangers leads to both moments of kindness and betrayal. She is taken in by her sister Stella and her husband Stanley, who provide her with a place to stay and some measure of comfort. However, Blanche's fragile mental state and her tendency to manipulate those around her ultimately lead to her downfall. She is unable to accept the kindness of others without trying to control or manipulate them, which ultimately leads to her isolation and despair.

The theme of dependence on strangers is a central one in A Streetcar Named Desire, as it reflects the larger themes of loneliness, alienation, and the search for connection in a harsh and unforgiving world. Blanche's reliance on the kindness of strangers is both a source of comfort and a source of pain, as it highlights her own vulnerability and the ways in which she is unable to cope with the harsh realities of her life.