Streetcar named desire Context Flashcards
WWII
Veterans returning home disconnected and dehumanised- Stanley’s harsh, brutish nature, war altered socioeconomic dynamics, women returning to traditional roles post war resulting in gender conflict.
Stanley makes a cryptic reference to ‘Salerno’ towards Mitch- one of the sites of one of the greatest invasions along the Western front.
-Stanley as a PTSD sufferer- explains dramatic rape as peak fighting of Salerno was 14th and 15th September- Blanch remarks her bday is the 15th September with symptoms of PTSD being stronger surrounding the anniversary of the PTSD causing event
The Great Depression
Loss of Belle Reve= catalyst for Blanche’s downfall, Blanche’s transition from wealth to poverty representative of wider socio economic disparities, shift in terms of class and social divisions
Influence of Hart Crane
Common theme of desire as a driving, destructive force and the idea of an emotional and physical journey. Acknowledged as one of Williams biggest influences.
Postwar America
transition marked by a clash of traditional values against modernity- referred to as ‘social fog’- Blanche’s illusions as part of it
William’s family life
Mother as a southern Belle, Father ‘Cornelius Williams’ similar traits to Stanley including abusive relationship, mum and sister suffered with mental health problems, sister sent for lobotomy and institutionalised for the rest of her life
Liebestod tradition
Blanche sees a prospect for love and death in everything
homosexual isolation
Allan only exists through his musical motif: Polka and the only vocal representation he receives is from his own murderer Blanche who describes him as ‘soft’ and ‘different’ use of vague descriptions conveys that in her mind he is defined as a homosexual. Represents homosexual isolation in society. Allan Gray not included in microcosm- homosexual minority
Greek tragerdy
Main conflict happens off stage- scene 3
makes it more shocking or for artistic intention of director?
Plastic theatre
Utilizes props, sound, stage direction and costume to present poetic truths through symbolism. William’s hallmark dramatic technique which combines realism and verisimilitude with an additional symbolic layer to provide an additional layer of meaning eg bathroom
Old versus New South
Blanche embodies the Old South and Stanley the new: being a 2nd generation immigrant living in New Orleans.
Blanche feels vulnerable because her class and kind are being threatened by the encroaching New South and she is left in limbo between old and new.
Symbol of Bathroom
privacy, refuge, cleanliness, gives Blanche the illusion of purity which eases her.
Characters as archetypes of Apollonian and the Dionysian
Blanche= Apollonian influence on the play being concerned with remaining in a dream-like reality and obsessed with culture and the arts.
Stanley= Dionysian influence concerned with alcohol, chaos and specifically obstructing Apollo
- greek theatre references
Costume
1) ‘A white suit with a fluffy bodice’- white represents purity and hope, softness as well as wealth and class.
2) ‘Red Satin robe’- passion, seduction and sexual energy - easy access highlighting vulnerability
3) ‘Scarlet satin robe- even darker shade of red=danger
4) ‘Somewhat soiled and crumpled white satin evening gown’ ‘rhinestone tiara’ - skirt shows destroyed innocence following rape, tiara highlights illusion versus relaity
The Napoleonic code
‘In the state of Louisiana we have the Napoleonic code’- women ignored by it’s reforms and were essentially regarded as the property of men.
