Dreams and illusions INCOMPLETE

“The play presents an unforgiving, harsh society in which there is no room for dreams or illusions.” In the light of this view, explore connections between the ways in which both The Duchess of Malfi and A Streetcar Named Desire present ideas about illusion and reality. Your response must include close reference to relevant contexts.

para 1

• both playwrights present worlds in which characters are not forgiven for having dreams and illusions

para 2

• webster also presents a world in which characters are punished for aspiring to their illusions rather than living in reality

para 3

• on the other hand both playwrights create characters who use illusions and dreams to help them survive in harsh, unforgiving societies

para 4

• webster also presents illusions and dreams as a source of hope in harsh, unforgiving societies