A Study of Identity Crisis From the Perspective of Identity Negotiation Theory——Taking Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire as Example

A Streetcar Named Desire unfolds the tragedy of a southern lady.The conflict betwixt southern Blanche and northern Stanley is the main contradiction in the play.In the end,Stanley drives Blanche crazy and sends her to an asylum.This paper attempts to analyze Blanche’s identity crisis from identity negotiation theory in cross-cultural communication,including identity security,identity inclusion,and identity predictability.Thereby it figures out that one who suffers hostile gazes from others in a strange environment,is unable to carry out an intimate and effective communication,which will eventually lead to a sense of loss and despair.This paper puts forward the methods to obtain identity recognition:be honest with others,be sure of oneself,and try one’s best to fit in the new environment,aiming to help people avoid identity crisis in interpersonal communication and establish a positive identity.