A Streetcar Named Desire

Tennessee Williams

Past Vs Present

According to Williams, the play is about:

“the ravishment of the tender, the sensitive, the

delicate, by the savage and brutal forces of modern

society”

Conflict between values of old world and the new

Contrast between Stanley and Blanche

Represent different aspects of American society!Stanley represents the American dream – that all men are

born equal and can succeed equally. He is associated with the world of stark reality, rooted in the present.

Blanche represents the old world, where class and race were important issues.She is associated with a fantasy world, rooted in the past.

conflict

The South

Associated with a landed elite in elegant housesFor Tennessee Williams the South stood for strong

cultural values whilst the North was greedy and sordid

Belle Reve

Associated with: Past Death False illusion of pastoral

beautyOld America is seen as a beautiful dream in Blanche’s mind- in reality it is based on racism and prejudice.

Blanche

Represents the faded grandeur of the American past

Already a ghost!•White clothes•Fear of light•Detachment of reality

The present

Stanley is associated with the present.

New Orleans is associated with: Modern Mixed Open/frank Sexuality/relationships

Involvement in WW2 led to Economic boom, rise in immigrantsand a mix in classes

Privileged/plantation (past)Vs

Immigrant in New Orleans

Stark reality

Stanley

Strips away the illusions embedded in the pastConflict between values of old world and the new!

Hypocrisy of old AmericaVs

Vulgarity of new AmericaUnborn baby gives hope to darkness of the play- mixture of Stanley and Stella

Dialogue

Sentimental/poetic

Abruptness/simplicity

Blanche

Stanley