THE LIFE OF TENNESSEE WILLIAMS

When was William’s born?

March 26th, 1911.
Died February 25th, 1983.

William’s Qualifications

BA from the University of Iowa
Studied at the University of Missouri and Washington University

William’s childhood dilemma

Had several serious diseases as a child which affected his capability of going to school.
Moved away from Genteel culture into the city - hated the city, ridiculed for his Southern Accent

William’s Literacy success

“The Glass Menagerie” 1944.
Laura was based on his own sister, projecting.
Following this success, moved to New Orleans and changed his name to Tennessee

William’s in the 1960s

Received much harsher criticisms - during this period he turned to alcohol and drugs
Deemed an American dramatist: plays reveal a world of human frustration where sex and violence underlie romantic gentility

William’s Sexuality

William’s was a homosexual, open-secret: come out in 1970