To state the obvious, a tragic agent is one that is the subject of a tragic event or happening. In A Streetcar Named Desire, Blanche Dubois is this agent. She experiences numerous things, and has certain dynamics that solidify her tragic elements. Many essayists describe these elements and they give clear conceptions of her tragic nature.Aristotle has written of many qualities one must have in order to fit in the “tragic” category. Firstly, Aristotle contends that a tragic agent must be “of the nobility”. Now this is not to say that Blanche is of a royal descent, although she acts like it, but it has been interpreted as “one who is of a noble cause or intent”. Contrary to the way it seems Blanche enters her sister’s home with a selfish, but noble action. She is there to “get back on her feet”, even though she doesn’t tell her hosts this. This is one of the reasons she fits Aristotle’s description. Secondly, Blanche has the four parts of a tragic character that Aristotle lays out. She is good. Good in the sense that what she says and does is done with conviction and careful choice. Blanche is appropriate. Her character exhibits the natural wants and needs of a woman in her disposition. Also, she is realistic. In saying she is realistic, it means that she, as a whole, is presented in a way that is not unbelievable. Lastly, Blanche is consistent. Throughout the course of the play, she continues toward the same goal. Her consistent quality lies in her insatiable appetite for attention among other things. Aristotle’s third point lies in Blanche’s “inevitable reversal”. Through the scenes, the spectator learns of her bad reputation as being somewhat of a “slut”. Soon, one learns that she has come to her sister’s place to start fresh and rid herself of a filthy lifestyle. Her reversal comes when her sister’s husband, Stanley, sud...
