Dramatic Techniques

Question 1

Stage directions

Answer 1

Beyond practical instructions
Compared to Shakespeare
Williams takes complete control of characters

Question 2

Poetic Naturalism

Answer 2

Drama located in real
Reaches for poetic or intangible
Blanche living in idealised past brutally contrasting with harsh reality of present

Question 3

Expressionist theatre devices

Answer 3

Transparent sets
Mix of theatrical sets
Evocative music and lighting
Sound effect
Heightened poetic language

Question 4

Dramatic structure

Answer 4

Intro - scene 1 - intro
Rising action - scene 3 - poker night
Turning point/climax - scene 8 and 9 - ticket, labour and Mitch
Falling action - scene 10 - rape
Catastrophe - scene 11 - sent away

Question 5

Plastic theatre

Answer 5

Use of props, sound, lighting, costumes and stage directions to convey parallel with characters state of mind
Symbolic, non-realist, metaphorical theatre
Expressionism
Varsouviana polka - associated with Allan Grey
Blue piano - New Orleans, dreamlike feeling, setting, Blanches need for companionship, plays cyclical nature
Locomotives - Stanley, industrial era, symbol of desire, oncoming unstoppable tragedy
“It’s only paper moon!” - Blanches disregard for reality
Shadows - light represents truth, paper lantern is Blanches futile attempt to hide, lurid shadows on walls represent madness and primitive forms
Cologne - Blanche covering self up