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The evidence of masculinity in scene three is shown through dialogue, stage direction and description of the surroundings. The introduction to the dramatic purpose of the poker party demonstrates Stanley's domination over his friends through the way in which he makes all the decisions about the game. He also shows domination over his wife by hitting her during an argument. Scene three opens with a description of surroundings during a poker night. The description of the poker night immediately introduces it as an all guys night.
Stanley, Steve, Mitch and Pablo, all men are described as wearing shirts that have colours that are powerful as the primary colours. Primary colours are childish colours showing how childish and immature their personality is going to be through out the poker night. This is a contrast to how they are described physically as strong. These solid colours suggest they are strong, powerful men who are coarse and direct. Even though they are at their prime of physical manhood, alternatively the primary colour description can be seen as them not being in their prime mentally, suggesting immaturity and simple thinking. The hard, strong alcohol of whisky on the table implies masculinity.
It is also a whisky bottle and not wine. If it was wine it would be too elegant for the occasion and wine is generally seen in romantic situations with women. As we hear the men have a poker talk conversation about a wild deal, we not only hear that the vocabulary is simple but also common which is in contrast with Stella and Blanches flowery, finer vocabulary. We also see Stanley toss some watermelon rind to the floor. The word toss is a very rough way of disposing a watermelon rind. He doesnt throw it in a rubbish bin showing he doesnt seem to care.
He also does this when he throws the meat to Stella in scene one. I think he also expects Stella to clean up after him, reinforcing the idea that females take care of the house and clean up after their husband. Later Mitch starts to worry about his sick mother who he left at home. He says she wouldnt be able to sleep until he, comes in at night. This implies she needs him to be there all the time and that she, as a female, is dependent on him, the breadwinner of the house. Stanley patronizes Mitch by saying hell fix him a sugar tit.
Stanley is cutting down Mitch's masculinity by saying he needs to go home to be with his mother. Stanley's mockery of Mitch shows his dominance and masculinity over Mitch because it is almost like the pecking order amongst wild animals; competition amongst males and their dominance. Also the word sugar tit is quite vulgar which men would generally say. I think women wouldnt be this crude and direct because they would think it is too explicit and women generally dont make fun of their friends because they are sensitive.
Steves joke about the young hen being chased by the rooster reflects how men chase after women for their looks and treat them like objects just to look at. It also shows the male dominance over the hen. Masculinity is present in everything they do. As the girls arrive home, Blanche wont go in until she has powdered her face and asks if she looks done in. She is concerned about her looks perhaps to impress the guys.
Her attitude towards her looks reflects how men want women to look all the time. Women are treated like sexual objects in this play and it is evident through the actions of Blanche and Stella. When the sisters come home Stella asks if the boys are still playing poker. By calling them boys, as if they were little and young, she might be trying to show a little dominance over them. Stanley shows verbal dominance towards Blanche when he tells her that nobody's going to get up, for her (a way of showing courtesy) in a firm and strong tone. Stanley shows he is man of the house by saying to Stella that they will only finish playing poker until they are ready to quit.
Stanley doesnt want Stella and Blanche to stay in the house during the poker game so he asks the women to go up and sit with Eunice. Stanley doesnt initially ask them but actually orders them. He also addresses them as women and not as ladies or by their name, this is very impersonal, considering that Stella is his wife. He is also treating them as if they were just anybody. The impression Stanley gives the audience on his relationship towards Stella is that it seems he only likes her around him when he feels like it.
Stanley and Stella have mostly a sexual relationship together. Its a relationship based on his wants and what she is willing to give. I think Stanley is selfish because he always gets his way with his male dominance. Later, Stanley gives a loud whack on Stella's thigh. Here, he shows his dominance in a macho, masculine way by treating her like an object. Alternatively, it brings out the contrast of male and female behavior on how women are generally passive and men are more aggressive.
Stella doesnt argue with Stanley when he slaps her, she just continues and accepts it. I think Stella does this because she is used to Stanley's dominance over her even though she doesnt like it. Later, Blanche is introduced to Mitch who is attracted to her. Blanche thinks he seems superior to the rest of the men. Mitch could be more mature and older compared to Stanley and the men. His masculinity is demonstrated through his superior ness.
Mitch is not married and automatically Blanche asks is he a wolf. Her immediate reaction to an unmarried man is that he is a wild and undomesticated dog, who is rough and perhaps aggressive and not a gentleman. The discussion leads onto Stanley and how his drive will help him get somewhere at the plant. Stanley has a strong character that is driven by his dominant side; this drive reinforces the masculine side of him. Stella undresses into a light blue, satin kimono while Blanche undresses into a pink silk brassiere and w...
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Research essay sample on Male Dominance Poker Night
