Dramatic techniques + literary devices (A Streetcar Named Desire)

dramatic irony

when a reader is aware of something that a character isn't

dramatic tension

Moments in a drama where the audience feels a heightened sense of anticipation about what is going to happen next.

dramatic climax

The point of greatest interest or intensity in the story. (in streetcar this happens at the end of each scene)

plastic theatre

Use of props, noises, music, and stage directions to convey a blatant parallel with the characters' states of mind on stage. (e.g Blanche's white dress)

symbolism

a device in literature where an object represents an idea. (e.g. Blanche bathing herself as a symbol of becoming pure, cleansing)

imperative

a command or order (e.g. Blanche using imperative language to Eunice - showing her ignorance)

juxtaposition / dichotomies

things that contrast

motif

A recurring theme, subject or idea (e.g. the streetcar sound effect showing danger + polka music using sound is a leit motif)

diegetic sound

Sound that originates from a source within a film's world. (e.g. locomotive showing danger)

non-diegetic sound

sound that is heard only in the character's head not in the real world (e.g. the waltz that plays in Blanche's head)

aural imagery

Vivid descriptions used to help readers experience something through their sense of HEARING.

foreshadowing

A narrative device that hints at coming events.

stage directions

In streetcar - detailed with descriptive language (links to Williams studying cinema) symbolism and imagery (links to plastic theatre)

imagery

visually descriptive or figurative language. (e.g Blanche using animal and religious imagery)

allusion

brings to mind something without directly referencing it

melodrama

exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions. (e.g Blanche in comparison to Stanley's observed, grounded dialogue)

expressionism

shows meaning through light, setting and sound (e.g when the men took over the kitchen)

Aristolean drama

story of a tragic hero - not malicious (e.g. "i tell things how they ought to be" - Blanche)

Avante - Garde

new and unusual experimental ideas

Paralinguistics

non verbal communication (e.g. Blanche "leaps up" when she spots whisky)

Holiphrastic phrase

one word that conveys a lot of meaning (e.g. Blanche's short responses with Eunice)

Surrealism

unusual, combined in a strange way like a dream (e.g. jungle cries as Blanche is about to be raped)

Ouroboros symbol

snake with its tail in mouth - plot comes back to the beginning like a perfect circle (e.g. when Stella chooses Stanley in scene one and then she chooses him over Blanche towards the end of the play)