America in the mid 20th century Flashcards
How does the Great Depression of the 1930s impact the play?
The entire nation suffered from extremely high unemployment and interest rates, and millions of Americans found themselves buried in deep debt. The upper classes were looked down upon by the lower classes, who saw the wealthy as uncaring about their daily financial struggles. Socially at this time people had more respect for the lower classes as they worked hard for their living and cared about the others around them. The men in the play represent the everyday American that society championed after the Depression – the hard working men who were proud of all the work they had accomplished themselves.
Why is ‘Elysian Fields’ important in the play and how does this link to the return of soldiers after WW2?
The play takes place in an area of New Orleans named Elysian Fields, which refers to the place that ancient Greeks believed served as a home for the dead. After victorious soldiers died in battle, they went to Elysian Fields for eternity, to celebrate their lives, their courage, and their accomplishments. Stanley Kowalski and his friends return to Elysian Fields after the war, coming back to the States as successful and hopeful soldiers ready to make a name for themselves on their home soil.
What happened to the economy after the war and how does this link to the ‘Old South’?
After the war, the country experienced one of the biggest economic booms in history - with the return of soldiers came an increase both in the production and in the consumption of goods, and the economy soon soared after the end of the war. Consequently, one could say that America experienced a second Industrial Revolution after World War II. This revolution effectively killed the mystical charm of the Old South, where aristocracy and chivalry reigned.
How does the return of soldiers after WW2 impact the gender roles in American society?
Stanley has just come back from the war as a decorated soldier, and after proving his masculinity on the battlefield, he is ready to assert his manhood within the home. As a result, the theme of pure, almost savage masculinity that is so clear in A Streetcar Named Desire is one that permeated America after the war - an air of bravado and victory following its defeat of the Nazi threat.
How did the war impact class values?
During the war, many socialised with a wider range of people than those in the neighbourhoods in which they grew up. This led to the possibility of greater fluidity between social classes, which sometimes caused conflict with those who were clinging onto an older social order.
How did the war increase racial harmony?
The American South has many ports, making the migration of people from other countries easy and frequent. Migrants were attracted to the rich culture and thriving cities, developing the ‘bright lights syndrome’ where they believed all their problems would be solved by moving into the city. The French, Spanish, Cajun, Creole, African and Caribbean-influenced culture is especially strong in the southern portion of the state. From its many cultural influences, the South developed its own unique customs, literature, cuisine and musical styles.
How are the attitudes towards race and class represented in the play?
A key source of conflict in the play is the struggle between Blanche and Stanley as representatives of two contrasting and warring classes. Blanche is a representative of the dying aristocracy, with its history of land-owning, education, etiquette and formal social gatherings. Stanley, on the other hand, is the son of Polish immigrants, proudly American and poorly educated. He seeks not only to advance himself, but is also determined to bring Blanche down.
How is the ‘American Dream’ used as a source of conflict between Stanley and Blanche?
Stanley aspires to the American Dream, believing that by hard work and determination he will achieve a higher standard of living than that of his parents, unlike Blanche who has fallen from a higher status. He is also influenced by politicians such as Huey Long, whom he quotes in the play. Long was a controversial 1930s Louisiana politician who advocated the redistribution of wealth and popularised the slogan ‘Every Man a King’. He was a hero to many of the poor and working class in Louisiana. Blanche and Stanley are from different worlds where money has different values. Stanley represents the American Dream that all men are born equal and can succeed equally, whilst Blanche represents the old world, where class and race are still important issues.
