Critical analysis - Duchess and Streetcar Flashcards
To understand and learn A05 analysis
Stella appears as a tool for power and authority in society - similar to the body of the Duchess. The role of the maternal sister and the marital.
“rivals over the affection and loyalty of Stella.” Vlasopolos
The emotional value of the feminine is controlled by the construct of a progressive American society, she has no control over fate.
“her emotional warmth, her carnality, her sensuality. These have all be turned into negatives by (a) society.” Kushner
Demonstration of the border between expressionism and reality, both in the setting of the plays but also inherent to the tragic characters.
“who has long since slipped over that hazy border when illusion and reality merge.” Terry
The feminine appears isolated and unwanted in the enforced patriarchal society trying to restrain from the ‘inevitable evolution from past to present.’
“the conflict between two versions of a history struggling for authority” Vlasopolos
Strength appears drawn from the patriarchal society, the inability of men to understand the unknown forces them to redistribute their vulnerability.
“he moves to inscribe, to author, not only her past, but her future.” Vlasopolos
Masculine illusion, the distorted male-gaze of reality.
“These men had no sober visions of things. Theirs is a world that reels in a ‘disastrous twilight’ of lust and blood.”
A presentation of the strength of women within a society where they are outlawed by men.
“denying that the luminous figure of the Duchess is perfectly capable of dominance… to support their sagging superiors.” Badendyck
The presentation of the malcontent who in an attempt to succeed his railing is reduced to the same level as the corrupt society around him.
“the impossibility of living a good life in a morally rotten society”…“dragged down to the level of his masters.”
The nature of the tragedy exploits the male fears that associate the feminine with death and contamination of self.
“an awareness of their vulnerability in relation to women… obsessed with their own ‘manliness,’ displacing their powerlessness onto women.”
Those of higher-social class must strive to outwit the surrounding progressive society or they will force their own downward trajectory.
“every prince, in order to survive, must devise plots and practice deception.” Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince’.
The presentation of the feminine, specifically the body, as the destructive force in society.
“women are adept as deceivers of men… to disguise/hide the defects of their bodies to present themselves as something they are not.”
The presentation that the Duchess’s matriarchal attempts to purge the masculine society.
“the Duchess’s subversive attempts at rulership as a corrective to an existing system that is… morally corrupt.”
Webster forms a paradox between blindness and truth
“ruthlessly exposes the vices and follies of mankind… he participates in the viciousness and self-seeking of the world he rails against.” (Gunby)
