Streetcar past vs present theme
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Transcript of Streetcar past vs present theme
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