A Streetcar Named Desire: AO2 Tragedy Flashcards
What is Hubris?
Excessive self confidence or arrogance.
Examples of Hubris in ASCND?
Stanley’s unrestrained masculinity. Blanche’s pride in her own appearance and an excessive self confidence regarding her class and status.
What is Hamartia?
The tragic flaw or error that causes a characters downfall.
Examples of Hamartia in ASCND?
Blanches true Hamartia is arguable. Could be her past, racism, homophobia, alcoholism, her relationships with young boys, or Alan Grey. The many faces of Blanche’s personality.
What is Peripeteia?
An essential shift in fortune when the tone changes. Situation is reversed. Things are revealed. Point of no return.
Examples of Peripeteia in ASCND?
When Blanche’s hidden past is revealed as she is verbally attacked by Stanley. Her mask is removed. Also when Blanche believes there is the prospect of marriage with Mitch which gives her hope.
What is a tragic hero?
Someone who is destined to fall and suffer defeat. No tragic hero in ASCND - perhaps none of the characters can be described as heroic?
What is Anagnorisis?
A moment of clarity for the tragic hero. Revelation of the true identity of a persons previously unknown.
Examples of Anagnorisis in ASCND?
When Blanche reveals her past? However she does this defensively - is this true anagnorisis? Is there ever a true moment of revelation because the audience has always had ideas?
What is Eleos and Pathos?
Pity or sympathetic pity.
Examples of Eleos/Pathos in ASCND?
The compassion of the doctor during the finale. The audience has sympathy for Blanche perhaps? As well as Stella because she is trapped between her husband and her sister?
Aristotle’s Tragic Plot Structure:
Arthur Miller’s Essay:
States that the ‘common man’ is apt subject for tradgedy, becuase Stanley is more relatable. Struggles in society - relatable gritty images. ASCND evokes a compulsion to reevaluate yourself and Blanche and humanity. If actions arent justifies - people are mentally ill.
