Malfi And Streetcar Themes

Question 1

Deliberate Cruelty

Answer 1

Mentally and physically cruel, the men go out of their way to be cruel to the women

Question 2

Desire

Answer 2

All of the characters have some sort of desire that they want

Question 3

Tragedy

Answer 3

Tragedy overcomes both of the households and consumes their lives

Question 4

Redemption

Answer 4

There is an element of redemption in Malfi, however there is a lack of it in Streetcar, because although characters regret their actions, they make no means to erect them

Question 5

Hope (lack of)

Answer 5

Hope is snuffed out by the amount of tragedy and betrayal that falls upon the characters and their circumstances

Question 6

Marriage and family

Answer 6

Stella and the Duchess go against their upper class family and marry lower class men, however the Duchess marries for love whereas Stella marries for lust and circumstance, now being stuck in a toxic relationship

Question 7

Fantasy vs Reality

Answer 7

Blanche is a victim of circumstance and loses her grip on reality, blurring the line between fantasy and reality. Whereas the Duchess self-induces her downfall by having the fantasy that her love will reign true and he safe

Question 8

Brutality and Betrayal

Answer 8

There is quite a bit of betrayal in both plays, especially with Bosola and Stella. However, Bosola tries to rectify his mistakes and avenge the Duchess and her legacy, whereas Stella just watches as her sister leaves. The betrayal and brutality suppress any hope

Question 9

Toxic masculinity

Answer 9

Volatile men are present in both plays, and it is the toxic masculinity that causes the protagonists downfall

Question 10

Past

Answer 10

The pasts of some characters catches up to them and plays a part in their downfall, as well as being used against them for selfish purposes