Tennessee Williams Flashcards

Flashcards covering the life and works of Tennessee Williams.

Tennessee Williams

Born Thomas Lanier Williams on March 26, 1911, in Columbus, Mississippi; adopted “Tennessee” to honor his Southern heritage.

Edwina Dakin Williams (Mother)

Overprotective, controlling, strict, and very religious; shaped many strong, complex female characters.

Cornelius Williams (Father)

Traveling shoe salesman, emotionally abusive, alcoholic, and violent; disliked Tennessee’s artistic interests.

Rose Williams (Sister)

Extremely close to Tennessee; developed severe mental illness (schizophrenia) and underwent a lobotomy, which permanently damaged her.

Dakin Williams (Younger Brother)

Became a lawyer and often managed Tennessee’s estate and legal affairs.

Williams’ Childhood Influence

Illness led to isolation and a sensitive nature, started writing to escape household tension; family trauma became recurring themes.

Williams’ Education and Early Career

Attended University of Missouri (dropped out), worked at a shoe factory, attended Washington University and University of Iowa (English degree); various jobs while writing; won a $100 prize in 1939.

The Glass Menagerie

Breakout play (1944), based on his own family (Tom=Williams, Amanda=Mother, Laura=Rose); a massive hit on Broadway.

A Streetcar Named Desire

Premiered in 1947, directed by Elia Kazan, starred Marlon Brando and Jessica Tandy; Blanche DuBois inspired by Rose; won Pulitzer Prize; introduced themes of desire, decay, illusion vs. reality; transformed American drama.

Other Plays by Williams

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1955) – lies, repression, family conflict, homosexuality; Suddenly Last Summer (1958) – insanity, repression, cannibalism, family secrets; Sweet Bird of Youth (1959) – lost youth, aging, exploitation.

Williams’ Personal Life Influence

Closeted gay man, struggled with depression, anxiety, and loneliness; partner Frank Merlo’s death led to depression and drug addiction; sister’s institutionalization influenced his characters.

Challenges Later in Life

Suffered from drug addiction and alcoholism; later works criticized; felt misunderstood, isolated, and creatively blocked.

Williams’ Death

Died on February 25, 1983, in New York City, choked on a bottle cap; tragic end to a turbulent life.

Williams’ Legacy

Considered one of the greatest American playwrights; elevated emotional realism; created vulnerable characters; opened discussions about mental illness, sexuality, and family trauma; plays still widely performed.