ASND Context

What societal attitude grew in post-WWII America?

A belief in self-reliance, hard work, and survival of the fittest due to wartime experiences.

How is this mood reflected in A Streetcar Named Desire?

Stanley’s aggressive, self-serving behavior represents the new, brutal post-war America.

What major economic shift occurred after World War II?

America entered a capitalist error with a boom in a consumerism and personal wealth

What was the baby boom?

A period between 19 46–19 64 when bath rate is rose significantly due to post war optimism

How were gender roles defined post WW2?

Gender roles were traditional many women returned to domestic life after war

How did blue-collar workers experience the boom?

They were the last to benefit wages were low and prices rising despite border prosperity

How did literature change after the Great Depression?

My focus shifted to the walking and middle class; celebrating their resilience and ethics

Why is New Orleans important in the play’s context?

It’s a diverse culturally rich and socially progressive setting different from the rest of the deep south

What personal connection did William have to New Orleans?

He considered it his spiritual home and return often it’s complexity mirrored his life

What caused the decline of the southern aristocracy?

The Civil War ended slavery destroying the plantation based economy and elite lifestyle

How is this reflected in the play?

Launch represents the decline of the old south and Stanley embodies modern industrial America

What was the Civil War mainly fought over?

The abolition of slavery opposed, by the southern states who relied on it economically

What impact did the war have on the south?

And it caused economic collapse loss of land and status for the old elite and deep resistance to change

What is a southern belle?

A genteel upper class, young woman who embodies charm, chastity and traditional femininity.

How does Blanche reflect this archetype?

She clings to outdated ideas of beauty and gentility, unable to survive in the modern world