Discuss the presentation of masculinity in the play, "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennesse Williams, you must refer to relevant contextual factors.

Masculinity, a key theme in the 1947 domestic play, "A Streetcar Named Desire", by Tennesse Williams, is deeply rooted in the lives of all characters. Set during post-war New Orleans, gender roles were in a state of flux as women were under pressure to return to the subservient domestic roles of pre-war America. Williams uses this contextual factor to act as a catalyst for the deterioation of Blanche Dubois, as she struggles both physically and mentally against Stanley - the play's cheif symbol of masculinity. As a play, stage directions are vital for introducing the characters and conveying subtext. Stanley's first entrance, and therefore first impression on the audience, is bold and vivid. He is dressed in "blue denim work clothes" and carrying a "red-stained package" which he "heaves" up at his wife. Stanley is immediately associated with finance and food, and being the sole providor of the household for both. His brash interaction with his wife demonstrates his domineering relationship with her that is influenced by the societal power dynamic between men and women, as well as hinting at his violent tendecies that later affect both Stella and Blanche. The package and his monosyllabic speech of, "Meat!" presents masculinity as primitive, which is enforced by Blanche's opinion of Stanley being "ape-like", and the description of him being "a richly feathered male bird among hens". Williams contrasts Stanley's masculinity with Blanche's vulnerbale femininity to heighten his dominance over her and Stella within the household setting. Blanche is presented as typically feminine, as she is "daintily dressed" in posh white clothes, symbolising her fading presence, as well as being weak against Stanley's bold "primary colours". Stanley's masculinity is foreshadowed from the start to crush Blanche, and is what holds Stella inside the house as she is unable to support herself in a male centric society.