Marxist Analysis of A Streetcar Named Desire

Marxist Perspective

Analyzes class conflict in literature and society.

Dialectic

Conflict between thesis and antithesis leading to synthesis.

Thesis

Represents the dominant social class or ideology.

Antithesis

Represents the opposing social class or ideology.

Synthesis

Resolution combining elements of thesis and antithesis.

Blanche DuBois

Symbolizes the defeat of the capitalist elite.

Stanley Kowalski

Embodies the ascendant urban proletariat.

Class Conflict

Struggle between different social classes.

Reconstruction Era

Post-Civil War period of land redistribution.

Old South

Romanticized ideology of pre-Civil War society.

New South

Industrialized and urbanized Southern states post-war.

Elysian Fields

Setting representing contemporary values in New Orleans.

Belle Reve

Blanche's lost estate symbolizing her past status.

Ideological Dislocation

Separation from traditional values and beliefs.

Mason-Dixon Line

Cultural boundary between North and South USA.

Social Class Supremacy

Dominance based on ideology, not just economics.

Executioner

Symbol of Stanley's role in Blanche's downfall.

Symbols of Privilege

Items representing wealth and social status.

Physical Manifestation

Tangible representation of social and ideological change.

Thomas P Adler

Critic noting synthesis in class conflict.

Stella Kowalski

Represents the bridge between social classes.

Proletariat

Working class opposing the capitalist elite.

Gentry Class

Upper class historically owning land and wealth.

Cultural Ideology

Beliefs shaping societal norms and values.

Consent

Agreement to ideologies imposed by the ruling class.

Coercion

Force or intimidation to ensure compliance.

Louis Pierre Althusser

Marxist theorist emphasizing ideology's role in dominance.

Ruling Class

Elite group maintaining societal control and dominance.

Belle

Ideal of white Southern womanhood in society.

Chivalric Code

Set of ideals governing gentlemanly behavior.

Proletarian Environment

Working-class setting, exemplified by Elysian Fields.

Shep Huntleigh

Blanche's ex-beau, symbolizing old Southern values.

Petite Bourgeois Lifestyle

Middle-class existence, owning and running a shop.

Demure Femininity

Ideal of modesty and gentility in women.

American Dream

Belief in upward mobility through hard work.

Rugged Individualism

Self-reliance as a core American value.

Huey Long

Populist politician advocating for economic equality.

Self-Alienation

Disconnection from one's true self due to capitalism.

Commodity

Worker treated as an object in capitalism.

Alienation

Feeling of separation from one's labor and society.

Poker Scene

Symbolizes aggressive capitalist competition among men.

Blanche's Manipulation

Efforts to impose her values on Stanley and Stella.

Stanley's Rage

Violent outbursts reflecting capitalist frustrations.

Eunice's Advice

Encouragement to ignore Blanche's plight for survival.

Bourgeois Sentiment

Flawed perspective prioritizing individual suffering over class struggle.

Seven-Card Stud

Poker game reflecting capitalist exploitation and competition.

Dysfunctional Existence

Acceptance of unhealthy relationships and environments.

Old South Ideals

Values associated with pre-industrial Southern society.

Mitch's Ideals

Embodiment of chivalric masculinity in Blanche's eyes.

Blanche's Asylum

Symbolizes the ultimate failure of her ideals.