The WriterThe Writer

Tennessee WilliamsTennessee Williams

Born in 1911 in the American SouthBorn in 1911 in the American SouthGrew up in St Louis, MissouriGrew up in St Louis, MissouriMoved to New Orleans 1n 1938Moved to New Orleans 1n 1938Wrote “Streetcar” in 1945 – set in New Wrote “Streetcar” in 1945 – set in New OrleansOrleansDied an alcohol related death in 1983.Died an alcohol related death in 1983.

Streetcar Named DesireStreetcar Named DesireTennessee WilliamsTennessee Williams

Background to the PlayBackground to the PlayThe play focuses on the transition between The play focuses on the transition between the old traditions of the American South and the old traditions of the American South and the newly industrialised South.the newly industrialised South.It chronicles the defeat of an aristocratic It chronicles the defeat of an aristocratic southern belle by a new working class society.southern belle by a new working class society.Up until the 1940s the American South had an Up until the 1940s the American South had an agricultural driven economy which allowed for a agricultural driven economy which allowed for a distinct white upper class.distinct white upper class.The1940s saw this society change. The1940s saw this society change. Industrialisation saw a new working class Industrialisation saw a new working class emerge. A working class from a huge number of emerge. A working class from a huge number of different backgrounds. The American Dream!different backgrounds. The American Dream!

Stanley and Blanche

The characterisation of these two characters represents the two different outlooks:

Blanche – romantic old fashioned, traditionalist and elitist views

Stanley – new America, American dream, anyone can succeed if they work hard.

Stella is a hybrid character: one who was of the old traditions, but has moved with the times as a result of her marriage to Stanley.

Overview and Background to the Play Stella and Blanche Dubois are sisters who previously owned and lived on a plantation: Belle ReveStella left Belle Reve around the time of the death of her father, whilst Blanche stayed and watched it crumble as the relatives all died. Blanche clings to the traditional lifestyle, whilst Stella recognises a need for change. Stella married Stanley and they live humbly in Elysian Fields – Blanche is horrified by their living conditions. When Blanche arrives to stay for a short time, it is clear that the sisters are very different and slightly estranged. It quickly becomes evident that Blanche has had some kind of traumatic experience that has affected her significantly, shown through her erratic behaviour and actions.

The Classic Southern WomanThe Classic Southern Woman

““Model of Virtue”Model of Virtue”““Guardian of youth”Guardian of youth”““a restraint on man’s natural vice and a restraint on man’s natural vice and immorality”immorality”Considered inferior to menConsidered inferior to menLooks to others for protectionLooks to others for protectionBlanche DuBois is educated but stuck in Blanche DuBois is educated but stuck in the past.the past.

The Napoleonic Code and The The Napoleonic Code and The French QuarterFrench Quarter

New Orleans owned by the French up until New Orleans owned by the French up until 1803.1803.French Law continued.French Law continued.Part of this law meant that a spouse had a Part of this law meant that a spouse had a right to own part of a property previously right to own part of a property previously owned by the other.owned by the other.The play is set in the French QuarterThe play is set in the French QuarterAt the time a “melting pot” of different At the time a “melting pot” of different races and classes.races and classes.

The CharactersThe Characters Blanche DuBoisBlanche DuBoisStella KowalskiStella KowalskiStanley KowalskiStanley KowalskiHarold Mitchell (Mitch)Harold Mitchell (Mitch)Eunice HurbelEunice HurbelSteve HurbelSteve HurbelPablo GonzalesPablo GonzalesNegro WomanNegro WomanA Strange ManA Strange ManA Strange WomanA Strange WomanA Young CollectorA Young CollectorA Mexican WomanA Mexican Woman

TitleTitle

‘‘A Streetcar Named Desire’A Streetcar Named Desire’What is a streetcar and what might this What is a streetcar and what might this represent in terms of the play?represent in terms of the play?Why is desire important in the play – in Why is desire important in the play – in what ways has it affected all of the four what ways has it affected all of the four central characters?central characters?How does the full title symbolise Blanche’s How does the full title symbolise Blanche’s life?life?

The StreetcarsThe Streetcars

Blanche takes two streetcars before arriving Blanche takes two streetcars before arriving at Elysian Fields. at Elysian Fields. Desire and Desire and CemeteriesCemeteries

Elysian Fields is the name for the land of the Elysian Fields is the name for the land of the dead in Greek mythology. dead in Greek mythology. In what ways do the names of the two In what ways do the names of the two streetcars and her final destination mirror the streetcars and her final destination mirror the journey of Blanche’s own life?journey of Blanche’s own life?

Key ThemesThink about the themes below. In groups of four, number yourselves and think about the corresponding numbered theme below. Create a mind map coming up with all the different ways that the dramatist has addressed these themes. Remember to consider all of your literary techniques.

1. Insanity 2. Reality versus fantasy3. Sex, death and fate4. Conflict

CharacterisationSymbolismKey scenesDialogue ClimaxAspects of staging

music (important in this play)

lighting stage directions stage set

Streetcar Named DesireStreetcar Named DesireEstablishment of conflict between Establishment of conflict between

Blanche and Stanley in the Blanche and Stanley in the opening scene…opening scene…

The ConflictThe ConflictThe play “A Streetcar Named Desire” revolves around The play “A Streetcar Named Desire” revolves around the conflict between the characters Blanche DuBois and the conflict between the characters Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski.Stanley Kowalski.

It is very much a conflict between two worlds. The It is very much a conflict between two worlds. The genteel, aristocratic, traditional American South of genteel, aristocratic, traditional American South of Blanche and the working class immigrant world of Blanche and the working class immigrant world of Stanley.Stanley.

Stella is caught in the middle – between these two Stella is caught in the middle – between these two worlds.worlds.

The Opening Scene!The Opening Scene!

The conflict between Blanche and Stanley The conflict between Blanche and Stanley is set up in the opening scene of the play.is set up in the opening scene of the play.

In this scene the differences between In this scene the differences between Blanche and Stanley are made clear to the Blanche and Stanley are made clear to the audience.audience.

StanleyStanleyRead pages two and three and compare your first Read pages two and three and compare your first impressions of these different characters: consider impressions of these different characters: consider descriptions, objects, and dialogue they use.descriptions, objects, and dialogue they use.

1.1. What is Stanley carrying when he comes home?What is Stanley carrying when he comes home?2.2. What does he do with it?What does he do with it?3.3. How is this package described?How is this package described?4.4. Where is Stanley going next?Where is Stanley going next?5.5. How is Blanche dressed?How is Blanche dressed?6.6. What colour is she wearing?What colour is she wearing?7.7. What does “incongruous to this setting” mean?What does “incongruous to this setting” mean?8.8. What animal is Blanche compared to?What animal is Blanche compared to?

Stanley - AnswersStanley - Answers

He comes home with a package of meat He comes home with a package of meat which is described as being “covered in which is described as being “covered in blood.”blood.”This immediately informs the audience This immediately informs the audience that Stanley is a primitive, physical that Stanley is a primitive, physical character – He is seen here in the role of character – He is seen here in the role of the hunter gatherer.the hunter gatherer.

Stanley Continued…Stanley Continued…

Stanley also speaks in a very brisk, Stanley also speaks in a very brisk, monosyllabic way underlining his primitive monosyllabic way underlining his primitive image.image.

He is also about to go bowling and this He is also about to go bowling and this activity is very much a part of the new activity is very much a part of the new immigrant culture that is connected to immigrant culture that is connected to Stanley and not Blanche.Stanley and not Blanche.

Blanche - AnswersBlanche - AnswersBlanche is described as being “daintily dressed in a white suit…” Her Blanche is described as being “daintily dressed in a white suit…” Her appearance does not fit into the tough, working class environment she appearance does not fit into the tough, working class environment she finds herself in.finds herself in.

The reference to the moth reminds the actress that Blanche is to The reference to the moth reminds the actress that Blanche is to appear fragile, bewildered and shocked by the area where her sister appear fragile, bewildered and shocked by the area where her sister lives.lives.

By using the words “daintily” and “delicate” in the stage directions we By using the words “daintily” and “delicate” in the stage directions we are immediately aware that she is very different from the confident and are immediately aware that she is very different from the confident and direct manner of Stanley.direct manner of Stanley.

Notice the word “white” is also repeated three times, suggesting the Notice the word “white” is also repeated three times, suggesting the purity and naivety of Blanche in comparison with Stanley who is later purity and naivety of Blanche in comparison with Stanley who is later seen wearing a red bowling jacket.seen wearing a red bowling jacket.

Blanche Pages 5-17Blanche Pages 5-17

Find quotes to support the following points Find quotes to support the following points about Blanche’s character.about Blanche’s character.

The Character of BlancheThe Character of Blanche

She is fragile and vulnerableShe is fragile and vulnerableShe has a craving for alcoholShe has a craving for alcoholWe become aware of her class snobberyWe become aware of her class snobberyShe has a constant need for flattering comments She has a constant need for flattering comments from her sisterfrom her sisterShe treats Stella as a child and acts the “big She treats Stella as a child and acts the “big sister”sister”There is an undercurrent of tension between the There is an undercurrent of tension between the sisterssisters

QuotationsQuotations

Learning IntentionsLearning Intentions1.1.Identify relevant information.Identify relevant information.2.2.Choose appropriate quotations and frame Choose appropriate quotations and frame them effectively in your writing.them effectively in your writing.

Quotations should be…Quotations should be… RelevantRelevant ShortShort Part of your sentencePart of your sentence

Some Useful QuotationsSome Useful Quotations

““Her appearance is incongruous to the Her appearance is incongruous to the setting.” (Page 7)setting.” (Page 7)““She looks bewildered”She looks bewildered”““Why, that you had to live in these Why, that you had to live in these conditions?” (Page 11)conditions?” (Page 11)

Using Your Quotations!Using Your Quotations!

The conflict between Blanche and Stanley is The conflict between Blanche and Stanley is set up in the opening scenes. The audience is set up in the opening scenes. The audience is immediately aware that Blanche is ill-at-ease in the immediately aware that Blanche is ill-at-ease in the shabby surroundings of downtown New Orleans. shabby surroundings of downtown New Orleans. When she arrives at her sister’s address, When she arrives at her sister’s address, “she looks “she looks bewildered”bewildered” and her appearance is and her appearance is “incongruous to “incongruous to the setting.”the setting.” In addition Blanche is portrayed as a In addition Blanche is portrayed as a snob. She asks Stella, snob. She asks Stella, “Why, that you had to live in “Why, that you had to live in these conditions?”these conditions?” These factors contradict major These factors contradict major aspects of Stanley’s character and alert the aspects of Stanley’s character and alert the audience to Blanche’s unease and lack of respect audience to Blanche’s unease and lack of respect for her surroundings.for her surroundings.

Similarly, the opening depiction of Stanley’s Similarly, the opening depiction of Stanley’s character alert the audience to impending conflict… character alert the audience to impending conflict…

Your TaskYour Task

Focus on the opening scene of “Streetcar”.Focus on the opening scene of “Streetcar”.Find three quotations that describe Find three quotations that describe Stanley and demonstrate how different he Stanley and demonstrate how different he is to Blanche.is to Blanche.Continue the paragraph on the previous Continue the paragraph on the previous slide using your 3 quotations.slide using your 3 quotations.

Finally!Finally!

Make notes about Blanche and Stella’s Make notes about Blanche and Stella’s past and what we find out about Belle past and what we find out about Belle Reve.Reve.

Pages eleven and twelvePages eleven and twelve

CharacterisationCharacterisationStanleyStanley

1.1. LoyalLoyal2.2. PrimitivePrimitive3.3. AggressiveAggressive4.4. SexistSexist5.5. Hospitable Hospitable 6.6. PassionatePassionate7.7. ProudProud8.8. CruelCruel9.9. Family manFamily man10.10. RealistRealist

StellaStella1.1. SensitiveSensitive2.2. UnderstandingUnderstanding3.3. HelpfulHelpful4.4. SelfishSelfish5.5. PassionatePassionate6.6. ObedientObedient7.7. Submissive Submissive 8.8. WelcomingWelcoming9.9. HonestHonest10.10. Independent Independent

BlancheBlanche1.1. PolitePolite2.2. Vulnerable Vulnerable 3.3. Sensitive Sensitive 4.4. VainVain5.5. CreativeCreative6.6. Old-fashionedOld-fashioned7.7. Flirtatious Flirtatious 8.8. ThoughtlessThoughtless9.9. DreamerDreamer10.10. InsaneInsane

Scene 2Scene 21.1. Stanley is irritated at the beginning of this scene – what is Stanley is irritated at the beginning of this scene – what is

causing him to feel this way and why do you think he is causing him to feel this way and why do you think he is particularly sensitive about this?particularly sensitive about this?

2.2. How do Stella’s actions exasperate Stanley’s feelings further? How do Stella’s actions exasperate Stanley’s feelings further? 3.3. Blanche emerges from the first of many long baths – bathing Blanche emerges from the first of many long baths – bathing

is a motif in this play – why do you think she spends so long in is a motif in this play – why do you think she spends so long in the bath during the play?the bath during the play?

4.4. What colour of robe is Blanche wearing and what does this What colour of robe is Blanche wearing and what does this suggest about her past?suggest about her past?

5.5. What causes the first major conflict between Blanche and What causes the first major conflict between Blanche and Stanley?Stanley?

6.6. What does Stanley do to Blanche’s belongings and what What does Stanley do to Blanche’s belongings and what event does this foreshadow?event does this foreshadow?

Scene 3Scene 31.1. Describe the way that Stanley interacts with his friends Describe the way that Stanley interacts with his friends

and the position that he holds within the group. and the position that he holds within the group. 2.2. Describe the inconsistencies between Blanche’s Describe the inconsistencies between Blanche’s

behaviour around men and her expectations of how they behaviour around men and her expectations of how they should behave. should behave.

3.3. Select a quotation from this scene that highlights Select a quotation from this scene that highlights Stanley’s sexist and disrespectful attitude to women. Stanley’s sexist and disrespectful attitude to women. Analyse and evaluate its effect. Analyse and evaluate its effect.

4.4. A significant symbol in the play is light, but its normal A significant symbol in the play is light, but its normal associations have been reversed. Blanche’s purchases a associations have been reversed. Blanche’s purchases a paper lantern and whilst asking Mitch to put it up explains paper lantern and whilst asking Mitch to put it up explains that she “can’t stand a naked light-bulb, any more I can a that she “can’t stand a naked light-bulb, any more I can a rude remark or a vulgar action”. Why do you think she rude remark or a vulgar action”. Why do you think she avoids the light?avoids the light?

Scene 4 – A Turning PointScene 4 – A Turning PointSummarise the events in this sceneSummarise the events in this sceneConsider the conversation between Stella and Blanche on page Consider the conversation between Stella and Blanche on page 45 and 46, specifically the references to the streetcar – what are 45 and 46, specifically the references to the streetcar – what are they really discussing through the disguise of metaphor?they really discussing through the disguise of metaphor?The scene functions as a turning point for the following reasons:The scene functions as a turning point for the following reasons:

1. Stanley overhears Blanche’s condemnation of him therefore sealing her fate and his decision to ruin her and force her to leave.

2. Stella chooses Stanley over Blanche, foreshadowing her decision at the end of the play to commit her sister to a mental institution.

3. The discussion of the streetcar links with the title and the theme of fate: Just like a streetcar is fixed to tracks, so Blanche is headed for disaster in the play with no alternative path.

4. The idea of desire, is also introduced and is integral to Blanche’s downfall.

5. Blanche’s hysteria and actions (attempting to call Shep Huntleigh), further cast doubt on her sanity.

Scene 5Scene 5In scene five, Stanley threatens and intimidates Blanche In scene five, Stanley threatens and intimidates Blanche with suggestions of knowledge of her past. She becomes with suggestions of knowledge of her past. She becomes increasingly frightened. increasingly frightened. Read the account of her actions she gives to Stella, Read the account of her actions she gives to Stella, p.53. How do these descriptions link with those in her p.53. How do these descriptions link with those in her introduction in scene 1, and what qualities do they reveal introduction in scene 1, and what qualities do they reveal about Blanche’s character?about Blanche’s character?Stella spills what on Blanche, p.54? Consider the colour Stella spills what on Blanche, p.54? Consider the colour of the skirt, and suggest the various events described of the skirt, and suggest the various events described within the play that this could reflect. within the play that this could reflect.

Scene 5 – Hinge QuestionScene 5 – Hinge QuestionWhat happens with the young man selling subscriptions What happens with the young man selling subscriptions just prior to Mitch’s arrival at the Kowalski apartment? just prior to Mitch’s arrival at the Kowalski apartment?

Consider the reasons for Blanche’s actions. Is this …Consider the reasons for Blanche’s actions. Is this …A.A. an indication of just how moth-like Blanche is, clarifying an indication of just how moth-like Blanche is, clarifying

that she is incapable of settling with only one man. that she is incapable of settling with only one man. B.B. a example of her urges for self-destruction, and therefore a example of her urges for self-destruction, and therefore

insanity.insanity.C.C. a revelation of her hypocritical personalitya revelation of her hypocritical personalityD.D. Clarification that after having lost the only man she truly Clarification that after having lost the only man she truly

cared about, and blaming herself for this, she cannot cared about, and blaming herself for this, she cannot allow herself the chance of another happy life?allow herself the chance of another happy life?

Scene 6Scene 6Summarise the key events in this scene.Summarise the key events in this scene.During Blanche and Mitch’s conversation back at During Blanche and Mitch’s conversation back at the apartment, Blanche’s reckless behaviour the apartment, Blanche’s reckless behaviour surfaces again. Explain the two examples that surfaces again. Explain the two examples that occur during their conversation. occur during their conversation. Find quotations from this scene that re-enforce Find quotations from this scene that re-enforce Blanche’s need for illusion and fantasy. Blanche’s need for illusion and fantasy. In this scene the audience finally understands In this scene the audience finally understands the full meaning of the polka music. What is it the full meaning of the polka music. What is it and who is the only character that can hear it?and who is the only character that can hear it?

Scene 2Scene 2

Summary Scene 8Summary Scene 8Blanche’s gloomy birthday party is winding down. Mitch Blanche’s gloomy birthday party is winding down. Mitch does not arrive.does not arrive.Stanley smashes a plate angry at being told he is Stanley smashes a plate angry at being told he is “greasy.”“greasy.”Stanley complains about the heat from Blanche’s steam Stanley complains about the heat from Blanche’s steam bath.bath.Stanley offers Blanche her birthday present – a one way Stanley offers Blanche her birthday present – a one way ticket back to Laurel on the bus.ticket back to Laurel on the bus.Blanche runs to the bathroom making gagging noises – Blanche runs to the bathroom making gagging noises – Stanley’s cruelty has literally taken Blanche’s breath Stanley’s cruelty has literally taken Blanche’s breath away.away.Stella reproaches Stanley for his cruelty but he explains Stella reproaches Stanley for his cruelty but he explains how they were perfectly happy until Blanche came along.how they were perfectly happy until Blanche came along.At the end of the scene Stella asks to be taken to the At the end of the scene Stella asks to be taken to the hospital – the baby is on its way.hospital – the baby is on its way.

Analysis of Scene 8Analysis of Scene 8Stanley, Stella and Blanche become increasingly short-tempered.Stanley, Stella and Blanche become increasingly short-tempered.Stanley shows he has had enough of Blanche and wants her to Stanley shows he has had enough of Blanche and wants her to leave.leave.Stella grows assertive for the first time in the play. She demands Stella grows assertive for the first time in the play. She demands that Stanley should not go bowling and demands to know why he is that Stanley should not go bowling and demands to know why he is being so cruel to Blanche.being so cruel to Blanche.However, just at the moment Stella begins to think independently of However, just at the moment Stella begins to think independently of Stanley, she goes into labour. This reasserts her connection and Stanley, she goes into labour. This reasserts her connection and reliance to Stanley.reliance to Stanley.Stanley also reminds Stella that she was once posh and snobbish Stanley also reminds Stella that she was once posh and snobbish like Blanche but he removed those airs and graces. He tells Stella like Blanche but he removed those airs and graces. He tells Stella that before Blanche arrived she was happy to be common.that before Blanche arrived she was happy to be common.The suggestion of Stanley’s speech is that he desires to take The suggestion of Stanley’s speech is that he desires to take ownership of people and things that make him feel inferior.ownership of people and things that make him feel inferior.His actions towards Blanche are so cruel because he His actions towards Blanche are so cruel because he misunderstands how weak Blanche was in the first place.misunderstands how weak Blanche was in the first place.

Summary of Scene 9Summary of Scene 9Mitch arrives while Blanche is alone in the apartment.Mitch arrives while Blanche is alone in the apartment.Blanche descends into her own world. Hearing the polka music that was Blanche descends into her own world. Hearing the polka music that was playing when her husband killed himself. She hears the gunshot in her playing when her husband killed himself. She hears the gunshot in her mind and is clearly anxious.mind and is clearly anxious.Mitch unaware of what Blanche is talking about grows more impatient.Mitch unaware of what Blanche is talking about grows more impatient.Eventually Mitch explains what is on his mind and says he does not care Eventually Mitch explains what is on his mind and says he does not care about Blanche’s age but is annoyed about the fact that she lied to him all about Blanche’s age but is annoyed about the fact that she lied to him all summer about being morally upright.summer about being morally upright.Mitch explains that he has heard the stories about her behaviour in Laurel.Mitch explains that he has heard the stories about her behaviour in Laurel.Blanche tries to deny the charges but is eventually forced to admit the truth.Blanche tries to deny the charges but is eventually forced to admit the truth.She finally breaks down and explains through sobs that after her husband’s She finally breaks down and explains through sobs that after her husband’s death she panicked and searched for companionship to fill her loneliness.death she panicked and searched for companionship to fill her loneliness.She explains that Mitch gave her hope but that she was wrong to hope She explains that Mitch gave her hope but that she was wrong to hope because her past eventually caught up with her.because her past eventually caught up with her.Mitch tells Blanche that she is not fit to live in the same house as his mother Mitch tells Blanche that she is not fit to live in the same house as his mother and Blanche orders him to leave, collapsing into hysterics.and Blanche orders him to leave, collapsing into hysterics.

Analysis of Scene 9Analysis of Scene 9Mitch’s disappointment in the relationship does not stop Mitch’s disappointment in the relationship does not stop him from approaching Blanche sexually.him from approaching Blanche sexually.However, while Mitch accepts the end of their However, while Mitch accepts the end of their relationship with resignation, Blanch becomes desperate relationship with resignation, Blanch becomes desperate and unhinged.and unhinged.Blanche sees marriage as the only way to escape the Blanche sees marriage as the only way to escape the demons of her marriage.demons of her marriage.Once Mitch crushes the make believe identity Blanche Once Mitch crushes the make believe identity Blanche has constructed for herself she descends into madness.has constructed for herself she descends into madness.Blanche retreats into the make-believe world of her own Blanche retreats into the make-believe world of her own mind; unable to face reality.mind; unable to face reality.

Analysis Scene 9 Cont…Analysis Scene 9 Cont…Scene 9 fails to tell us whether Blanche’s Scene 9 fails to tell us whether Blanche’s difficulties are her own responsibility or whether difficulties are her own responsibility or whether she is a victim of her own circumstance.she is a victim of her own circumstance.It is true that Blanche’s sexual duplicity and It is true that Blanche’s sexual duplicity and romantic delusions have been the source of her romantic delusions have been the source of her fall.fall.She was born into a society that required the She was born into a society that required the suppression of desire and where she expected suppression of desire and where she expected wealth and social status. wealth and social status. Finally, Blanch is also Stanley’s victim. His Finally, Blanch is also Stanley’s victim. His cruelty and disclosure of her past contribute cruelty and disclosure of her past contribute directly to her fate.directly to her fate.

CharacterisationCharacterisationStanleyStanley

1.1. LoyalLoyal2.2. PrimitivePrimitive3.3. AggressiveAggressive4.4. SexistSexist5.5. Hospitable Hospitable 6.6. PassionatePassionate7.7. ProudProud8.8. CruelCruel9.9. Family manFamily man10.10. RealistRealist

StellaStella1.1. SensitiveSensitive2.2. UnderstandingUnderstanding3.3. HelpfulHelpful4.4. SelfishSelfish5.5. PassionatePassionate6.6. ObedientObedient7.7. Submissive Submissive 8.8. WelcomingWelcoming9.9. HonestHonest10.10. Independent Independent

BlancheBlanche1.1. PolitePolite2.2. Vulnerable Vulnerable 3.3. Sensitive Sensitive 4.4. VainVain5.5. CreativeCreative6.6. Old-fashionedOld-fashioned7.7. Flirtatious Flirtatious 8.8. ThoughtlessThoughtless9.9. DreamerDreamer10.10. InsaneInsane

Literary TechniquesLiterary TechniquesCharacterisationCharacterisation

BlancheBlanche StanleyStanley StellaStella Mitch (minor character)Mitch (minor character)

SettingSetting Working class, immigrant, new America, small claustrophobic apartmentWorking class, immigrant, new America, small claustrophobic apartment

Symbols/MotifsSymbols/Motifs BathingBathing MeatMeat LightLight Varsouviana PolkaVarsouviana Polka Contrast of Stanley and Blanche (lion vs. moth, light vs. darkness, Contrast of Stanley and Blanche (lion vs. moth, light vs. darkness,

realism vs. fantasy, old America vs. New America)realism vs. fantasy, old America vs. New America)

Literary TechniquesLiterary TechniquesKey ScenesKey Scenes

Scene Four Turning Point (Stanley overhearing Blanche’s opinion of Scene Four Turning Point (Stanley overhearing Blanche’s opinion of him)him)

Scene Ten: Climax (Stanley’s triumph through the rape of Blanche)Scene Ten: Climax (Stanley’s triumph through the rape of Blanche)

Themes:Themes: InsanityInsanity FateFate ConflictConflict DesireDesire DeathDeath

The Question!The Question!

Choose a play in which an important Choose a play in which an important character is in conflict with another character is in conflict with another character in the play. Describe the conflict character in the play. Describe the conflict and show why it is important to the and show why it is important to the development of the plot.development of the plot.

IntroductionIntroduction

Your introduction is very important and Your introduction is very important and must refer to the task. You must clearly must refer to the task. You must clearly show that you understand the question show that you understand the question and respond appropriately.and respond appropriately.

IncludeInclude1.1. Author and name of textAuthor and name of text2.2. Brief summary of the main themes of the textBrief summary of the main themes of the text3.3. Reference to the task and explain what your Reference to the task and explain what your

essay is about.essay is about.

Exemplar IntroductionExemplar Introduction““A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee

Williams is a powerful and thought-provoking play that Williams is a powerful and thought-provoking play that was first performed in 1947. The play investigates a was first performed in 1947. The play investigates a clash between two characters Blanche DuBois and clash between two characters Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski who come from very contrasting Stanley Kowalski who come from very contrasting backgrounds. Blanche is from the traditional genteel backgrounds. Blanche is from the traditional genteel American South, while Stanley hails from the urban American South, while Stanley hails from the urban immigrant world of New Orleans. The clash between immigrant world of New Orleans. The clash between these two characters results in a plethora of dramatic these two characters results in a plethora of dramatic incidents, including a violent rape. This essay will incidents, including a violent rape. This essay will explore how Tenessee Williams creates the conflict explore how Tenessee Williams creates the conflict between these two characters in a play that’s drama is between these two characters in a play that’s drama is clearly fuelled by two strikingly different figures.clearly fuelled by two strikingly different figures.

Paragraph OneParagraph OneThe SettingThe Setting

BeginBeginThe setting is vitally important in establishing a The setting is vitally important in establishing a

sense of conflict between Stanley and Blanche…sense of conflict between Stanley and Blanche…

IncludeInclude Set in downtown New OrleansSet in downtown New Orleans Clearly a neighbourhood that is run-downClearly a neighbourhood that is run-down Refer to Blanche arriving and looking “incongruous.”Refer to Blanche arriving and looking “incongruous.” The flat – Small, poky with little space. Claustrophobic.The flat – Small, poky with little space. Claustrophobic.

Paragraph TwoParagraph TwoBlanche and Stanley’s Very Different Backgrounds.Blanche and Stanley’s Very Different Backgrounds.

BeginBeginIt is clear from the beginning of the play that Blanche and Stanley It is clear from the beginning of the play that Blanche and Stanley come from very different social backgrounds. It is this contrast that come from very different social backgrounds. It is this contrast that creates the conflict between their two characters…creates the conflict between their two characters…

IncludeInclude Blanche living in Belle ReveBlanche living in Belle Reve Her manners and lifestyleHer manners and lifestyle Stanley – Inner city, immigrant areaStanley – Inner city, immigrant area His manners and lifestyle are very different.His manners and lifestyle are very different.

Paragraph ThreeParagraph ThreeBlanche’s Character and BehaviourBlanche’s Character and Behaviour

This may be potentially two paragraphs!This may be potentially two paragraphs!

BeginBeginWilliams’s characterisation of Blanche further enhances Williams’s characterisation of Blanche further enhances

our understanding of the conflict between the main our understanding of the conflict between the main characters…characters…

IncludeIncludeHer appearance and behaviour at the beginning of the play.Her appearance and behaviour at the beginning of the play.Her past – Laurel, School, HusbandHer past – Laurel, School, HusbandHer behaviour – Drinking, bathingHer behaviour – Drinking, bathingHer behaviour – Looks down on Stanley and his typeHer behaviour – Looks down on Stanley and his type

Paragraph FourParagraph FourThe Character of StanleyThe Character of Stanley

BeginBeginStanley is portrayed very differently and this further Stanley is portrayed very differently and this further amplifies the conflict between the two characters.amplifies the conflict between the two characters.

IncludeInclude Ungrammatical speechUngrammatical speech Contempt for womanContempt for woman ““Animal Machismo”Animal Machismo” Napoleonic CodeNapoleonic Code

Paragraph FiveParagraph FiveKey ScenesKey Scenes

BeginBeginWilliams has chosen several key scenes to increase Williams has chosen several key scenes to increase the dramatic opposition of Blanche and Stanley.the dramatic opposition of Blanche and Stanley.

IncludeInclude Act 1, Scene 3 – The first poker nightAct 1, Scene 3 – The first poker night Act 1, Scene 4 – Stanley overhears BlancheAct 1, Scene 4 – Stanley overhears Blanche Climax of the rape scene and Stanley’s final victory.Climax of the rape scene and Stanley’s final victory.

Paragraph SixParagraph SixDramatic EffectsDramatic Effects

BeginBeginIn order to heighten the sense of conflict between In order to heighten the sense of conflict between the two protagonists Williams has used a variety of the two protagonists Williams has used a variety of dramatic techniques….dramatic techniques….

Include Include Light/LightingLight/Lighting Sound EffectsSound Effects MusicMusic SymbolsSymbols