Structure

Question 1

What are the key structural methods in A Streetcar Named Desire?

Answer 1

• Opening and ending scene (signifies Blanche’s transcience in New Orleans)
• Flashbacks
• 11 scenes with no acts
• Scene 10 as the climax
• The timescale from May-September
• The revelation of Blanche’s past later on in the play

Question 2

What is the significance of Tennessee Williams only using 11 scenes?

Answer 2

*Gives a relentless drive to the play
* Brings the Unities of Time together-the structure is just like the ‘rattletrap Streetcar’ and it’s unable to prevent events unravelling