A Streetcar Named Desire

Shelley Lugo

Theme

A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams conveys the theme of restrictive gender expectations in the 1940s.

How Stanley conforms to his gender roles

● He considers himself the provider and the head of the household.

● He’s dominating and controlling.

● Expects his wife to respect him.

How Stella conforms to her gender roles

● She depends on her husband.● She stays at home, cooks food, and takes care of

Stanley.● Stella obeys her husband.

How Blanche doesn't conform to her gender expectations

● Blanche is not married.

● She slept with many strangers.

● She’s independent because she had a job. Women weren’t expected to work back then.

Consequences of Restrictive Gender Expectations

● If a man or woman broke his or her gender roles, they were punished by society.

● They weren’t viewed as a respectable person.● They would have a bad reputation in society.

How have gender roles changed over the years?

● Women are more independent. They are getting married later in life. They also make up about 50 percent of the workforce.

● Men are also staying home and taking care of their children.

Sources

DiSchiavi, Michael. "Tennessee Williams' Women in a Man's World." The Gay & Lesbian Review Worldwide. 15.4 (2008): 18. Literature Resource Center. Web. 10 July 2013.

"Evolving Gender Roles Explored at Anne Roe Lecture." Harvard Graduate School of Education. 24 Nov. 2008. Web. 14 July

2013.

Williams, Tennessee. A Streetcar Named Desire. New York: New Directions, 1980. Print.

Woolway, Joanne. "An overview of A Streetcar named Desire." Drama for Students. Literature Resource Center. Web. 10 July 2013.