Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire Comprehensive Guide for AS and A Level

Flashcards covering key concepts, themes, and characters from 'A Streetcar Named Desire'.

A Streetcar Named Desire

A play by Tennessee Williams, depicting the decline of a Southern family and issues of desire and madness.

Blanche DuBois

A main character in the play, represents the Old South and experiences a tragic downfall.

Stanley Kowalski

Blanche's brother-in-law, symbolizes the New South, characterized by raw masculinity and dominance.

Domestic Tragedy

A genre focusing on ordinary people in their homes, showcasing personal and social conflicts.

Jim Crow Laws

State and local laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States after the Civil War.

Realism

A dramatic style aiming for a truthful representation of everyday life and characters.

Escapism

A key theme where characters, especially Blanche, escape reality through illusions and fantasies.

The Varsouviana

A polka tune that represents Blanche's traumatic past and mental instability.

Symbolism of Light and Dark

The use of light imagery to represent truth, illusion, and Blanche's fragile mental state.

Tragic Flaw

A character defect that leads to the downfall of the tragic hero, present in Blanche's inability to adapt to reality.

Masculinity

Represented by Stanley, who embodies physicality and aggression in contrast to Blanche's delicate nature.

Sex and Desire

Themes exploring how sexual desires lead to destruction and suffering for characters, especially Blanche.

Social Class

The conflict between the upper-class DuBois family and the working-class Kowalskis, highlighting class struggles.

Madness

The psychological decline of Blanche, illustrating themes of trauma, loss, and the effects of societal pressure.

Historical Context

The backdrop of the play, set against post-war America, addressing issues of race, gender, and social change.

Gender Roles

The expected behaviors and responsibilities of men and women in the play, often leading to conflict.

Foreshadowing

A literary device used to hint at future events in the play, particularly regarding Blanche's fate.

Illusion vs. Reality

A central theme where characters struggle between the comforts of illusion and the harshness of reality.

The Paper Lantern

A prop representing Blanche's desire to soften the harsh light of her reality and conceal the truth.

Critical Reception

The varied responses to the play over time, reflecting changing societal values and perceptions.