Abstract This paper discusses two of the main characters in the Tennessee William's drama "A Streetcar Named Desire". This paper also discusses some of the sources available reviewing this play. The sources used provide excellent insight into the study of "Streetcar Named Desire" and into the playwright himself. The paper also reviews some of William's other works.
From the Paper "'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams has an interesting title that first attracted me to his play. After reading the first few lines, I found myself interested because the description of the setting had details that captured my attention further. Williams uses words such as "raffish charm" (Williams 1797) and "quaintly ornamented gables" (Williams 1797) that paint a picture of the section of New Orleans where the action starts. The action of the characters led to questions in my mind after I finished reading the play. This play raised many questions about the human spirit and the ways that people deal with situations that they face. The two sisters in the play, Blanche and Stella, were raised in similar circumstances. Why did these two sisters deal with life in ways that are so different? The relationship between Stella and her husband also presents important questions."
Abstract Williams's play, "A Streetcar Named Desire," is the story of the final decay of Blanche DuBois, a woman who fell from grace until finally losing her mind. This paper focuses on Blanche's lies and how Williams symbolized them in several different ways, including the use of light. It shows how, throughout the entire play, Tennessee Williams uses light to symbolize Blanche's deceptions as they differentiate from the actual truth that is slowly revealed.
From the Paper "A Streetcar Named Desire is a great play, where Tennessee Williams uses many different types of symbols and metaphors for other things in the play, and his usage of light to show Blanche DuBois' artificial realism was incredible. The way that each event in the story where Blanche was involved directly with lighting led up to a later important event in the story keeps the reader interested. Blanche's lies were eventually her undoing, if she had gone to visit her sister and been able to stand in the open light and face the truth about her life, she may have been married to Mitch. However she was scared of what she would see if stayed in the light, and more scared of what other people would see in her, so she hid in the metaphorical shadows created by Tennessee Williams and tried, unsuccessfully, to live in her false reality."
Tags: american, desire, light, literature, named, streetcar, sybolism, tennesse, williams
Abstract This paper is a critical analysis of Tennessee Williams "A Streetcar Named Desire", focusing on the character Blanche and what she symbolizes.
From the Paper "In A Street Car Named Desire, Tennessee Williams displays the character Blanche having many issues. She tells fibs to protect herself from being looked upon disapprovingly. But her secrets are unveiled when Stanley, Blanche's brother-in-law, bumps into a couple of Blanche's acquaintances. Blanche symbolizes all beautiful women who are insecure because they have something they cannot let go or hide from."
Abstract The paper discusses how the play "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams depicts sexuality and class struggles in relation to American society in the 1940s. By understanding the polar extremes of both Kowalski and Blanche, the paper explains that there is an irreconcilable difference between the two that result in tragedy. In this manner, the paper discusses that the theme of sexuality and class struggle is central to the importance of this play as it relates the honest intensity of life in America.
From the Paper "In this dramatic study, the play "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams will be analyzed to reflect the importance of sexual freedom and societal barriers that are broken down in this masterpiece. By accessing parts of the play, as well as critical views on sexual liberation in William's perspective, this play was important and innovative in depicting male/female relationships in the atmosphere of the 1940s theater. The play "A Streetcar Named Desire" became the basis for modern playwrights to formulate new opinions about sexual behaviors and how men and women interact. The difficulties associated with other romantic plays of this time period, relate the overly dramatic and unrealistic views of life for working class people."
Abstract The paper discusses how the greatest debate among critics of "A Streetcar Named Desire" may be about who the hero of the play is, Stanley or Blanche. The writer proposes that both are heroes and that the play is a classical tragedy. The paper explores how both Blanche and Stanley fit the pattern for a classical tragic hero. They both have goals, which they themselves compromise because of a tragic flaw. The writer argues that what is unique to "A Streetcar Named Desire" is that there are two heroes, rather than one. The paper examines how their two tragic flaws have to combine in order to create the downfall of each of the heroes.
From the Paper "Stanley conforms almost exactly to the idea of a tragic hero. Not only does he have a clearly defined goal, but that goal mirrors the goals of the heroes that have come before him. Stanley's goal is the preservation of his kingdom and protecting it from outside threats. Of course, Stanley's kingdom is somewhat smaller than other heroes in literature; rather than an empire, Stanley's kingdom is a two room walk-up apartment in New Orleans. In addition, rather than ruling over thousands of subjects, Stanley rules over Stella. Therefore, Blanche's threats to Stanley's kingdom take on an almost petty cast; she drinks his liquor and takes up too much space in his small apartment."
Abstract In this article the writer analyzes the play 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams and notes that bathing and drunkenness are two common threads exposing sexual tension in the play. The writer points out that even the title of the play suggests the sexual tension between the characters. Further, the writer looks at the connections between desire and death as portrayed in the play. The writer maintains that it is as if Williams is telling us that from too much desire only death can come. The writer notes that Stanley, the most dead of all three characters becomes numb to his reactive behavior. The writer concludes that Stanley is trapped in his uncontrollable animalistic sexual desire destined to live like an animal surviving purely by instinct.
From the Paper "Stanley is a man's man--full of animal instinct and desire. He cannot control himself in any regard. Stanley cannot control his temper so he beats his pregnant wife. He can't sequester his passion for Blanche so he rapes her. He can't bare losing Stella so he screams for her at the top of his lungs proclaiming his need and love for her. Stanley is all about sexual desire--it rules and runs his life.
"Drunkenness and bathing are the soothsayers for Blanche and Stanley when their desires become overwhelming. Blanche uses a bath to soothe her nerves and to try and wash away her sexually promiscuous path."
Abstract This paper is an analysis of the relationships between Blanche, Stanley and Stella in "A Streetcar Named Desire". It shows that none of the relationships in the play were normal or healthy. In order, it examines the relationship between Blanche and Stella, the relationship between Blanche and Stanley, and the relationship between Stella and Stanley.
From the Paper "Blanche and Stella Dubois came from a well-to-do family. The sisters grew up on a plantation called Belle Reve. Stella had always been very self-absorbed and one day, she left the plantation behind and found her way to the city. She left Blanche to take care of the remaining family. All was well on the plantation until the depression hit and money was scarce, even for the rich. Blanche had to take care of an ailing family while she worked as a schoolteacher to make ends meet. She saw most of her family die and she resents Stella for not being there to help take care of everyone. She is angry with Stella for leaving her with all the responsibilities."
Abstract The following paper is a short analytical and interpretive essay of the views and values of ?A Streetcar Named Desire? in terms of the ideas, conventions and beliefs that the text appears to explore, endorse, challenge or leave unquestioned. Themes that are touched on in this paper are-- truth versus fiction, reality verses fantasy, ambition verses imagination, and lust verses love. The way in which Williams uses symbolism to parallel the conflict within a character and between characters, to the conflict in American society's views and values, invites the reader to draw their own conclusions from the text.
From the Paper "The rape seems to signify the final destruction of Blanche's fantasy world. As Stanley acknowledges, the two were on a collision course from the beginning. Blanche is neither adaptable nor one of the strong. Blanche enters entirely into her world of self-deception. Fate is cruel, and human desire often leads to death. Everything that Blanche wants from life seems to crumble in front of her. She fights to save her Old Southern roots and the family mansion, but loses them both. She fights to regain her self-respect and Stanley destroy all attempts at this. She fights to hold on to her sanity amidst mounting disasters, but loses that battle as well."
Tags: brutality, modern, age, sexuality, powerful, genteel, literature, play, drama
Abstract A paper which examines the theme and structure of Tennessee Williams' influential play "A Streetcar Named Desire", and relates its development to the playwright's own history and to the times in which it was written. Its evolution from stage play to film was a singularly significant one, as by doing so it captured an enormous and highly receptive audience for Williams' message. It continues to be one of the most consistently revisited dramas of the twentieth century, on stage, remade as a film, as made-for-television movies, and even as opera. This paper explains both its historical significance and its seeming timelessness.
From the Paper "Williams drew heavily on his own experiences and his family;s problems as subject matter for his plays, while not specifically making the material autobiographical. He created original, distinctive characters, then placed them in a familiar setting: the South at a time when the antebellum aristocratic culture was fading and being replaced by a crude, vigorous, entrepreneurial society. His thematic structures were intrinsically tragic, and like Greek tragedy, the downfall of the protagonist is due to a tragic flaw, some form of hubris."
Abstract This paper is an analysis of the characters and the context of the play "A Streetcar Named Desire" The author gives her own personal view on every issue that reflects a contradiction of ideas from a cultural point of view. In order to do this the author read and viewed the play in both languages: English and Spanish.
From the Paper ""Un Tranvia Llamado Deseo" (A Streetcar Named Desire) is an American drama written by Tennessee Williams. The script was both performed on stage and played on film. It has been analyzed and criticized by writers, students, critics, and the media all over the world. This author will analyze this famous play or film from the Hispanic perspective. This paper will demonstrate some of the similarities and differences between Americans and people with a Hispanic background on their interpretation of "Un Tranvia Llamado Deseo"."
Abstract This paper examines the role of Stella in "A Streetcar Named Desire". Stella is he opposite of Blanche. The importance of this becomes clear at the end when Stella is revealed to be a despicable character.
Abstract This paper presents a detailed look at "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams. The author of this paper takes us on a tour of the story and explains how each subsequent encounter between Stanley and Blanche leads to increased violence and antagonism.
Abstract This paper explores the guiding theme in "A Streetcar Named Desire", namely, the search for immortality, justification, and redemption. It does this by examining the metaphorical aspects hidden within the story and by drawing comparisons between the main character in William's play and characters in Greek mythology that deal with themes of the afterlife.
From the Paper "The first point which must be explored, of course, is the leap into this metaphysical landscape. How does one go from a setting in New Orleans to discussing how this story is set within the scope of the afterlife? Actually, it's rather obvious. Yes, the story takes place in the French Quarter of New Orleans, but more to the point it is set in the ?Elysian Fields.? According to Greek mythology, the Elysian fields are the afterlife where one is judged and rewarded for past deeds. It is to be noted that Blanche arrives in the Elysian Fields ?by way of a Freudian streetcar named ?Desire,? transferring to one called "Cemeteries".? (Ridell) While that progress from desire to death may be a sort of foreshadowing of the play's narrative arc, it is equally possible that it is a more direct description of the route taken by Blanche prior to the play. (The way that history repeats itself is, of course, a major part of this theme and of most afterlife scenarios, so both foreshadowing and introduction-to-the-past may be intended) In short, Blanche's earlier desires and escapades may have killed her in either a literal or a figurative sense. She then proceeds logically by way of Cemeteries to the afterlife of the Elysian fields."
This paper analyzes the 1951 classic film production of ?A Streetcar Named Desire? directed by Elia Kazan, which starred Vivien Leigh, Kim Hunter, Marlon Brando, and Karl Malden.
785 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 0 sources, 2004, $ 27.95
Abstract This paper explains that ?A Streetcar Named Desire? was generally seen as being immoral and decadent, and it was decried by many critics; but it was nominated for twelve Oscars and was awarded four Oscars, three of which were in the acting categories. The author points out that the black-and-white and rather old-fashioned look of the film actually added to the foreboding and emotionally charged atmosphere in the film. The paper states that the most impressive aspect of the film was its depth and psychological complexity combined with acting ability, creative daring, and superb and imaginative direction.
From the Paper "The play is set in the French Quarter of New Orleans after the Second World War. The plot revolves around the arrival of Blanche DuBois at her sister's residence as she searches for meaning in her life. She has been forced to leave her hometown as a result of trying to seduce a boy whom she was teaching. Her encounter with the brutish Stanley, who is love with her sister Stella, sets the scene for the mistrust, violence and psychological complexity."
Abstract This paper explains how, in Tennessee Williams's play, ?A Streetcar Named Desire?, Blanche Dubois gets what she deserves because she begins to believe the lies she told in order to uphold the illusion that she is still a pristine Southern belle. With a tarnished reputation, she arrives at her sister's apartment in New Orleans in the hopes that she will be able to escape the scandal she caused as a school teacher in Mississippi.
From the Paper "When Stella asks about Belle Reve, the plantation the Bubois family owned, Blanche decides to tell her that as more family members passed away, she claims she couldn't handle the financial depression. She had to let the Belle Reve go to pay for the funerals and processions that followed. However, she tells Stella's husband Stanley that it was her male ancestors that caused the lost of the plantation by stating, ?...our improvident grandfathers and father and uncles and brothers exchanged the land for their epic fornications--to put it plainly! The four-letter word deprived us of our plantation...?(Williams, 9)."
