Tennessee Williams & A Streetcar Named Desire

A Streetcar Named Desire

Williams' play first performed on Broadway in 1947

American Civil War

Conflict from 1861-1865 between Northern and Southern states over slavery

Cornelius Coffin Williams

Williams' father, remembered as a neglectful philanderer

Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Award won by Williams for A Streetcar Named Desire

Tony Award

Award won by Jessica Tandy for her role in A Streetcar Named Desire

Reconstruction period

Historical era following the end of slavery in the United States

Anti-hero in modern drama

Character with fatal flaws, often powerful but morally ambiguous

Catharsis

Emotional release or purging experienced by the audience

Southern Gothic genre

Literary genre focusing on grotesque, often with supernatural elements

Streetcar Named Desire

Play embodying modern tragedy and relatability to the audience

Hubris

Excessive pride or self-confidence leading to downfall

Southern Charm

Distinctive and alluring qualities associated with the American South

Tennessee Williams

Playwright born in 1911, known for A Streetcar Named Desire

Blanche DuBois

Character in A Streetcar Named Desire, often identified with by Williams

Jessica Tandy

Actress who portrayed Blanche in the first performance of A Streetcar Named Desire

Gone with the Wind

1939 film about a Southern Belle, potentially inspiring Williams

New Orleans

City known for diversity, a cultural 'melting pot'

Edwina Williams

Williams' mother, a southern belle reflecting the character of Blanche

Rose Williams

Williams' sister, institutionalized due to mental illness

Stella & Stanley

Characters in A Streetcar Named Desire representing themes of loneliness and domination

Decay in Southern Gothic

Atmosphere of deterioration and decline in settings and characters

Blanche's attitude toward money

Indifferent to money itself, values it for social status and presentation

Desire in 'Streetcar Named Desire'

Blanche's belief that Stanley is not the right partner for Stella

Animal Force

Stanley embodies raw power but lacks qualities like love and respect.

Desire Theme

Stella's sexual relationship with Stanley overshadows violence.

Brutal Desire

Stella's intense desire linked to danger and sexuality.

Blanche's Monologue

Blanche criticizes Stanley's violence and primal nature.

Stanley's Reaction

Stanley reacts predatorily to Blanche's criticism.

Blanche's Letter to Shep

Reveals Blanche's deceitful nature and pride.

Capricorn vs. Virgo

Stanley's dominance contrasts Blanche's wishful purity.

Blanche's Past in Laurel

Stanley uncovers Blanche's shady history in Laurel.

Blanche's Reaction to Confrontation

Blanche evades and shows fear when confronted.

Turning the Trick

Blanche reflects on her fading allure and success in life.

Blanche's Hope with Mitch

Blanche seeks a meaningful relationship with Mitch.

Blanche's Deception of Mitch

Blanche misled Mitch about her age, fearing it would affect their relationship.

Blanche's Encounter with the Teenager

Blanche's attempt to seduce the teenager reveals her obsession with desire and loneliness.

Mitch's Purpose in the Scene

Mitch serves as a contrast to Blanche's carnal desires and helps reveal her true nature.

Blanche's Depression at the Beginning

Blanche appears depressed due to exhaustion and self-blame after an evening out.

Blanche's Deceptive Behavior with Mitch

Blanche pretends to be a 'virgin' to match Mitch's expectations, showcasing irony in her emotional display.

Blanche's Revelation about Stanley to Mitch

Blanche shares her negative experiences with Stanley, but Mitch's reaction is dismissive.

Blanche's Confession about Her Past to Mitch

Blanche opens up about her husband's suicide and affair, revealing her downward spiral.

Blanche's Guilt over Allan's Death

Blanche blames herself for her husband's suicide, leading to a perpetual sense of guilt.

Mitch's Response to Blanche's Past

Mitch comforts Blanche, offering protection and suggesting mutual support.

Blanche's Need for Protection

Blanche's final line hints at her reliance on men for protection, akin to a divine figure.