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Neurasthenia

Neurasthenia is a stylistic device in literature that is used to express a state of exhaustion or fatigability of the character. In scene six of the play “La Dame aux Camellia’s”, neurasthenic personality has been used by the author and it directs the reader to the new environment that Blanche encounters.

The author has referred to neurasthenic personality signifying Blanche’s character. Although with various factors which include the new culture, people and environment, Blanche seems to characterize neurasthenic personality. This is depicted by her constant flirting, uptight mannerisms and drinking. The style is used as a stage direction to depict Blanche’s personality at the time: “The utter exhaustion which only a neurasthenic personality can know is evident in Blanche’s voice and manner” (Tennessee Williams). This shows her character at that very moment.

The behavior of Blanche and her utterances through the scene clearly reveals her past and can be used to predict her future. “Blanche: Vous ne comprendez pas?”(Tennessee Williams). This phrase, for example, comes about when Blanche is playfully teasing Mitch and flirting as she speaks French. French here signifies a romantic language so the audience gets to know the romantic desire Blanche has for Mitch even though she is flirtatious. Stage directions indicate that: “Blanche speaks with an affectation of demureness” (Tennessee Williams). Though here Blanche wouldn’t mind Mitch’s hand around her waist, she tries to act conservative. The audience gets to suspect her attempts to hide from her past behavior. The audience can thus predict that her past behavior was not desirable. Blanche openly asks Mitch whether he would sleep with her that night though only the audience understands since Mitch does not understand French. This reveals her desire for Mitch and points to a future relationship between the two.

Reference

Williams, T. “ A streetcar named desire summary and analysis”. Harvard: Gradsaver Publisher