Characters and the way they deal with mishaps

Abstract

The idea of a false reality is very much present in many works that we have read, but how the stories and its characters deal with the scenarios that provoke such illusions differ immensely. In Kate Chopin's short story “At the ‘Cadian Ball,” the characters deal with hard times by giving in to their primeval and animalistic urges, but do so in a way that is less subtle, as if they are not ashamed of committing such acts. Varying from Chopin's writing, in Tennessee William's play, A Streetcar Named Desire, Blanche DuBois deals with her challenging times and mishaps by distorting reality and lying to those around her in an attempt to better her image and console herself. However, she does so in a fashion that hurts everyone at once. Both of these strategies employed by the stories' characters result in different outcomes, which seems to be the main purpose for the difference. However, Kate Chopin seems to have a better understanding of what a reader likes to read, as a happy ending is much more satisfying than a depressing and gloomy conclusion, such as is seen with Tennessee Williams' work. This results in the reader being able to more easily relate to Chopin's work, a concept that usually results in greater satisfaction with a book, and a better understanding for its ideas, meaning that Chopin's work is essentially more effective at expressing its ideas and captivating than Tennessee Williams.

The very title of Kate Chopin's first work, “At the ‘Cadian Ball” already seems to signify a break from reality. A ball is nothing but a party, which is where people go to lose themselves in alcohol and lust, while they have no responsibilities to which they must attend. This ball is depicted as a huge event, one that everyone seems to wish to go attend, but it is obvious that it is viewed as a place where one can let loose. Within the first page of the story, this is apparent as Calixta, the beautiful Spanish belle whom the men seem to yearn for, is described as “having a breath of scandal whispered” about her past actions at such balls. This seems to set the stage for future promiscuity among the characters within the work. Chopin also introduces another character who attempts to free himself from the stresses of everyday life by indulging himself in the ball, Monsieur Alcee.