Critical views (AO5)

Question 1

Andrea Gencheva on how Blanche clings to the Old South

Answer 1

‘Blanche continues to play the role of a Southern Belle and hysterically holds onto it’

Question 2

Andrea Gencheva on what Stanley’s rape represents

Answer 2

‘Stanley’s rape denotes the final and ultimate demolition of the Southern genteel fantasy world…primitivism over civilisation, male over female, physical over psychological’

Question 3

The play’s contemporary audience’s reaction to Kazan’s production + J.C Trewin’s view of blanche.

Answer 3

The audience cheered during the rape scene. J.C Trewin dismissed blanche as ‘nymphomaniac’.

Question 4

Simon Bubb on the sexes

Answer 4

‘tragic inequality of the sexes’

Question 5

Arthur Miller on Kazan’s production

Answer 5

‘Brando…a sexual terrorist…He roared out William’s celebratory terror of sex.’

Question 6

Simon Bubb on the harshness portrayed in streetcar

Answer 6

‘A streetcar named desire is a play which forcefully dramatises the harsh realities of life…the consequences can be especially worse for those whom society deems to be different. This play is a tragedy for the powerless’