A Streetcar Named Desire (context)

Question 1

Mitch and masculinity

Answer 1

“Instead of offering a positive alternative to Stanley’s masculinity, Mitch has ended up imitating it” - Simon Bubb

Question 2

Shep Huntleigh and masculinity/illusion

Answer 2

“Typically, the one male figure who might provide a lasting hope turns out to have been a fantasy all along” - McDonough

Question 3

Allan and masculinity

Answer 3

“We may feel deep sympathy for him, but this is a man defined through his weakness.” - Simon Bubb

Question 4

Stanley and violence

Answer 4

“Stanley is ultimately shown to be a physically and sexually abusive villain.” - Kazan

Question 5

Stanley and violence/masculinity

“In the end…”

Answer 5

“In the end, Stanley is far from being the idolised version of manhood.” - Kazan

Question 6

Stanley and violence/masculinity

“embodying…”

Answer 6

“…embodying a primeval masculine type - the hunter bringing home the kill” - Kazan

Question 7

Mitch and violence

Answer 7

“He reveals himself to be almost as cruel as Stanley.” - Kazan

Question 8

Stanley and reality

Answer 8

“He is appealing in a direct, almost childlike way.” - Irwin Shaw

Question 9

Stella and illusion

Answer 9

“Stella is a refined girl who has found a kind of salvation but at a terrible price” - Kazan

Question 10

Blanche and reality

Answer 10

“She is caught in a fatal inner contradiction, but in another society she would work” - Kazan

Question 11

Masculinity

Answer 11

“There is not a single male character whom we can look for a truly positive embodiment of masculinity.” - McDonough

Question 12

Blanche and desire

Answer 12

“She must have protection , closeness, love, safe harbour” - Kazan