* Class and Social Differences: Stanley embodies the working-class, masculine ideal, valuing physicality, practicality, and directness. Blanche, on the other hand, represents a fading Southern gentility, clinging to a romanticized past and emphasizing appearances and social graces. Their opposing values create a fundamental clash, with Stanley seeing Blanche's refinement as pretentious and hypocritical.
* Threat to his Territory: Blanche's arrival disrupts the comfortable, albeit somewhat crude, dynamic of the Kowalski household. She represents a reminder of his own social limitations and challenges his dominance. Stanley feels threatened by Blanche's charm and her potential to influence Stella, his wife, potentially undermining his control over their household.
* Perception of Her Deception: Stanley quickly perceives Blanche's elaborate facade as a front for a more troubled past. Her lies and evasions, like her fabricated stories about her deceased husband and her past life, fuel his suspicion and contempt. He views her as a manipulative opportunist, trying to gain something from his family.
* Sexual Jealousy: There's a strong undercurrent of sexual tension between Stanley and Blanche. He is attracted to her but also feels a sense of rivalry, especially given her past romantic history and her flirtatious nature. This unspoken competition adds to his resentment.
* Blanche's Past: Stanley's animosity is also fueled by his knowledge of Blanche's past, specifically her "loose" behavior and her eventual dismissal from her teaching job. He views her as a woman of questionable morals, further reinforcing his disdain.
* Underlying Misogyny: Stanley exhibits a strong sense of misogyny throughout the play. He sees women as objects to be controlled and dominated. Blanche's independence and defiance of his expectations make him resent her even more, viewing her as a threat to his masculine authority.
Overall, Stanley's dislike for Blanche is multifaceted. It stems from their contrasting values, his perception of her as a threat to his territory and masculinity, his belief in her deceitfulness, and his own inherent misogyny. Their conflict serves as a tragic clash of different worlds, highlighting the destructive forces of social prejudices and personal insecurities.