Dramatic Conventions (AO2) Flashcards
STRUCTURE
Where does Williams use exposition?
STRUCTURE
exposition - description of Blanche and Stella/Stanley’s relationship
STRUCTURE
Where does Williams use rising action?
STRUCTURE
rising action - polka scene
STRUCTURE
Where does Williams use climax?
STRUCTURE
climax - rape
STRUCTURE
Where does Williams use falling action?
STRUCTURE
falling action - aftermath of rape scene
STRUCTURE
Where does Williams use denouement?
STRUCTURE
denouement - Stella stays with Stanley, people’s reaction to state of Blanche
Name four other techniques Williams uses throughout
stage directions
foreshadowing techniques
time
MUSIC
What does the Blue Piano motif represent?
MUSIC
spirit of the French quarter of New Orleans
more generally for vitality and pleasure
lowerkey in the mood of the scene
MUSIC
What does the Polka motif represent?
MUSIC
only Blanche can hear it, has a considerable dramatic weight
it recalls the last time she danced with her husband, moments before his suicide
MUSIC
What is the Polka used for?
MUSIC
use of it is to alert the audience to a significant fact
use to create an atmosphere
also to stress an important aspect of the plot
MUSIC
What is the effect of the Polka on the audience?
MUSIC
audience and the reader will come to realise the importance of the polka only gradually
SOUND EFFECTS
What ones does Williams use?
SOUND EFFECTS
- gun shots
- jungle noises
- locomotive
- tamale vendors
SYMBOLISM
What does the paper lantern symbolise?
SYMBOLISM
- Blanche’s longing for what she calls ‘magic’ which is the dressing up of ugly reality
- brings to mind the moth attracted to light, an image used of Blanche’s fragility
SYMBOLISM
What does the bath tub symbolise?
SYMBOLISM
- her sexual experiences have made her a hysterical women, but these baths calm her nerves
- cleanse herself of her illicit and odious history in the new community of New Orleans
- she cannot erase her past so her bathing is never done
- Stanley undoes his misdeed of beating Stella when he showers, it soothes violent tempers and he feels remorseful
SYMBOLISM
What does the streetcar symbolise?
SYMBOLISM
- Blanche’s headlong descent into disaster
- euphemism for sexual experiences
- headlong rush of a locomotive is another symbol of fate
MOTIF
What motifs does Williams use?
MOTIF
- bathing
- clothing/jewellery
