motifs, terms and context Flashcards
Varsouviana polka symbolism
representative of her guilt from the death of Allen and growing mental instability.
Motif of light
representative of reality-plastic theatre
synonyms of expose and reveal
display, uncovers, exhibits
motif of poker game
symbolic of Stanley’s position as alpha male power over Blanche.
motif of blue piano
symbolic of victory of new south over old south
motif of paper moon
reveals Blanche’s philosophy of life that living in a facade is better than living in reality
motif of alcohol
exposes double standards in patriarchy. Plays with the notions of femininity and masculinity
motif of colour
Bright colours that present Stanley (“blue”) connote growing energy of working class, new south, male power over lighter colours that present blanche (“white”)
motif of colour quote in poker game
“poker players wear coloured shirts, solid blue, a purple, a red checkered shirt.” “as powerful as the primary colours”- their vibrancy connotes their influence. Primary colour make up all colour suggesting male dominance in the patriarchy
motif of locomotive
symbolic of her fate determined by the patriarchy.
locomotive motif quote
“locomotive glares into the room as it thunders past”-personification
Polka game motif
symbolic of male dominance in life over women in the patriarchy
southern gothic lit in streetcar
grotesque characters and lurid, violent events. Disturbing deep flawed characters. Transgressive, violent, desire, irrational impulses are southern gothic elements
Brechtian theatre
use of songs, music. Reach of catharsis.
tragedy conventions
elements: harmatia, conflict, catharsis, supernatural
plastic theatre meaning
use of props and sound to voice a characters inner thoughts. LITERARY CONTEXT
Williams
homosexual, depression, mental instability, alcoholism
Rose, Williams sister
mental illness, institutionalised
The New South
aftermath of civil war and the abolishment of slavery. The south became a campion of diversity and accepting of many immigrants.
Old south
money was built on slavery
American dream
national ethos born from war and depression where all men, especially male immigrants, are seen as equal and can succeed equally.
Societal views were funded on…
Christian beliefs
What is freudian theory?
the concept of the subconscious mind
In freudian theory what does id represent?
primitive part of mind leading to aggressive and sexual drive
In freudian theory, what does superego represent?
moral conscious
In freudian theory, what does ego represent?
realistic part of mind that mediates superego and id
Freudian theory in Blanche
eros and Thanatos in Blanche can be representative of the conflict between id, ego and superego
the varsouviana…
“steal softly in”
Stella and Stanley’s relationship dependent on sex
‘But there are things that happen between a man and a woman in the dark—that sort of make everything else seem—unimportant.’
Description of Elysian Fields
‘The scene with a kind of lyricism and gracefully accentuates to the atmosphere of decay’-grotesque
Repetition of ‘dim white building’
Blanche is past her prime, idea of decay. Williams romanticises the sense of slum.
The lyricism that gracefully reflects the decay conditions is intrinsic to Blanche’s condition.
Death and decay associated with Belle Reve
“Grim reaper had put up his tent on our doorstep”
Fantasy of New Orleans
“quaintly ornamented gables”
“faded white stairs”
Realism of New Orleans
smell of “bananas and coffee”
“brown fingers” playing blue piano
“hot trumpet” at the end of scene 10
symbolic of sex- Stanley has won over Stella. War-like soundscape that represents Blanche’s defeat.
Decay of Elysian Fields
“atmosphere of decay”- gothic
