Comparative essay - The Help and A Streetcar Named Desire.

'Modern literature depicts a change in attitudes towards the way in which people choose to live their lives'. Compare the significance of changes in society in the two texts you have studied (25 marks).

Societal changes are depicted as momentous within Stockett’s literature, as she portrays these adjustments predominately through race; Whilst Williams focuses on the changing social class ladder. Although the extent to which these social changes are shown as significant is arguable. 

Within ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ the significant changes within society are portrayed through the downfall of the bourgeois and the rise of a new social order. This is apparent by Blanche and Stanley’s confrontation as this symbolises the collisions between the two worlds. The conflict between the values of the old world and the new world are seen by Blanche, being representative of the bourgeoisie making a living by exploiting the labour of slaves in plantations. Others such as Oklopcic interpret the portrayal of Blanche to a similar extent, “Williams portrays Blanche as the last representative of the old aristocracy who tries to survive in the modern world by escaping to alcohol, madness and promiscuity”. Stanley represents the American dream where all men are born equal and can succeed in society, this is shown by him identifying himself as American, ‘what I am is a one hundred percent American’. His outburst to being called a ‘Polack’ suggests that he yearns to breakaway from the stereotype attached to his history. Blanche’s elitism and disparaging comment about his background makes the atmosphere even more tense within this scene. Her viewpoint is also highlighted when stating her ancestry ‘we are French by extraction. Our first American ancestors were French Huguenots’, in which it is implied that a person cannot achieve success without a proper upbringing. Blanche’s perception shows the influence of her bourgeois past and the insecurity she feels in New Orleans where a social transition is taking place. 

By the end of ‘The Help’ it can be argued that Jackson has had a significant change in its society, as they are more socially aware of their behaviour and actions towards each other. As well as becoming more aware of their morals and the severity of their actions. It can be viewed that the change towards the view of segregation is embodied within the character of Mae Mobley. Her reaction towards the prank Skeeter plays on…