Themes Flashcards
What is the significance of madness in Streetcar (themes)
Blanche falls into madness as she uses her fantasies to create an ideal world, this cushions the blows she is dealt by society. Blanche is completely unhinged as a result of the r*pe by Stanley, this leads to her completely submitting to her internal desires and becoming removed from the real world.
What is the significance of domestic abuse in Streetcar (themes)
Both Stella and Stanley/ Eunice and Steve highlight elements of domestic abuse in their relationships showing how commonplace it was in society at the time. The theme of domestic abuse may potentially be an echo-chamber for Williams’ upbringing and his father’s domestic abuse. Poker scene (scene 4)
What is the significance of racism in Streetcar (themes)
All people of colour lack significance and identity. Symbol for their perceived lack of contribution to society even though they have jobs. Elements of inherent superiority complex displayed by Blanche who is from the confederate south (“couldn’t we get a coloured girl to do it”). Poker group makes jokes about “ole n*igger” (this is replaced by ‘farmer’ in modern productions, highlights a change in views over time)
What is the significance of homosexuality and homophobia (themes)
Blanche betrays Allan’s loyalty by exposing him as gay, he doesn’t appear in the story for long and acts as Blanche’s backstory rather than his own character. Stella refers to him as a “degenerate” having lost the moral qualities considered normal. Blanche feels a duty to society to expose Allan as she is “unable to stop herself”. Links to Freud’s theories of the three states. Influenced by Williams’ own sexuality.
What is the significance of male domination and female submission (themes)
Men dominate throughout the play over their partners. Dominance and sex linked which is shown through Stanley’s character. Stella submits to her husband and tolerates his behaviour, making excuses for it. Blanche tries to reclaim her sexuality but if condemned. Stanley’s ability to get away with the r*pe of Blanche shows how dominant men are over women and how a man can destroy a woman and face no repercussions.
What is the significance of sexual desire (themes)
Leads to Blanche’s destruction, woman can’t express their desire as it will only lead to their downfall (“they told me to take a streetcar named desire, then transfer to one called cemeteries”). Blanche uses sex as a comfort whereas Stanley uses sex to assert his dominance over the women around him.
What is the significance of mental illness and instability (themes)
Blanche’s mental state begins to deteriorate when Allan dies, exacerbated by the deaths she witnesses at Belle Reve. Blanche has been forced to deal with sadness and death her whole adult life which may highlight why she is forced to resort to her fantasy world. Promiscuity and alcoholism together lead to a further deterioration of mind in Blanche. Blanche ends up in a mental institution but we are unsure whether it is a good one that helps of one that makes her even worse.
