Explore Williams’s presentation of a changing society in A Streetcar Named Desire. You must relate
your discussion to relevant contextual factors.
Introduction/ Williams sets the play in New Orleans to highlight how aspects of society are
LOA changing, where in some parts, including the French Quarter, there is an ‘easy
intermingling of races’. Blanche’s character symbolically represents the values of
the Old South, and the downfall of her character ultimately reflects these
decaying old values. Blanche’s pride in her French ancestry and affluent
background is derided by Stanley- representative of immigration and the
American dream.
Point 1 William’s portrayal of cultural diversity in New Orleans, and the significance of
Blanche’s entrance disrupting this:
Scene begins with two minor characters chatting- one white, the other
black. ‘easy intermingling of races’ ‘music of negro entertainers’- cultural
integration defines the setting, very different from ancestral home of
Blanche and Stella.
‘blue piano’ penetrates the environment, reflecting the ‘spirit of life’ in
the area and highlighting the vibrancy of the world there. Description
suggests the music reflects an intangible atmosphere. Blue piano is a
reference to the jazz music that permeates the Elysian Field setting-
highlighting the importance of black culture and music in the area.
Diversity also among the minor characters- Mexican street vendors, black
musicians. Williams is presenting here a view of the neighbourhood as
having a thriving, exuberant atmosphere, one that nurtures an open-
minded sense of community.
For all of Blanche's preaching about poetry and art, she cannot see the
beauty of the jazz and blues which permeate her present setting. She is
trapped in a so-called "refined," yet racist past and Williams, highlighting
the contrast to that past, celebrates the uniquely American art form, the
music of the blues. He uses it to provide transitions for many of the play's
scenes. This music can be seen to represent the change and hope in the
new world, but it goes unnoticed to Blanche's ears. Belle Reve's style of
aristocracy has died away and its art and genteel customs are no longer
relevant to Kowalski's post-war America.
Fragile, dainty appearance of Blanche- almost walking representation of
the orthodox traditions of the south- obsession with purity and female
delicacy. ‘daintily dressed in a white suit’ ‘as if arriving at a summer tea or
cocktail party’- overdressed, ‘incongruous’ to her setting.
A nervous Blanche arrives at the cramped quarters of her younger sister,
and promptly begins to usurp the limited space — spending hours in the
bathroom, moving about the two-room flat and commenting on Stella’s
financial situation. Absolute shock when she enters the flat, which is a
complete juxta position in every way to Belle Reve- ‘This- can this be- her
home?’ ‘you do have a maid’ ‘her expression is one of shocked disbelief.’
Disapproval of Stella’s lifestyle and world of New Orleans allows Blanche
to enforce her own sense of superiority. Through the contrast of Blanche’s
character, William’s highlights how this modernisation and acceptance is
far from widespread in 1940s America.
CONTEXT: Williams moved to New Orleans in hope to find more societal
acceptance as a gay man.
your discussion to relevant contextual factors.
Introduction/ Williams sets the play in New Orleans to highlight how aspects of society are
LOA changing, where in some parts, including the French Quarter, there is an ‘easy
intermingling of races’. Blanche’s character symbolically represents the values of
the Old South, and the downfall of her character ultimately reflects these
decaying old values. Blanche’s pride in her French ancestry and affluent
background is derided by Stanley- representative of immigration and the
American dream.
Point 1 William’s portrayal of cultural diversity in New Orleans, and the significance of
Blanche’s entrance disrupting this:
Scene begins with two minor characters chatting- one white, the other
black. ‘easy intermingling of races’ ‘music of negro entertainers’- cultural
integration defines the setting, very different from ancestral home of
Blanche and Stella.
‘blue piano’ penetrates the environment, reflecting the ‘spirit of life’ in
the area and highlighting the vibrancy of the world there. Description
suggests the music reflects an intangible atmosphere. Blue piano is a
reference to the jazz music that permeates the Elysian Field setting-
highlighting the importance of black culture and music in the area.
Diversity also among the minor characters- Mexican street vendors, black
musicians. Williams is presenting here a view of the neighbourhood as
having a thriving, exuberant atmosphere, one that nurtures an open-
minded sense of community.
For all of Blanche's preaching about poetry and art, she cannot see the
beauty of the jazz and blues which permeate her present setting. She is
trapped in a so-called "refined," yet racist past and Williams, highlighting
the contrast to that past, celebrates the uniquely American art form, the
music of the blues. He uses it to provide transitions for many of the play's
scenes. This music can be seen to represent the change and hope in the
new world, but it goes unnoticed to Blanche's ears. Belle Reve's style of
aristocracy has died away and its art and genteel customs are no longer
relevant to Kowalski's post-war America.
Fragile, dainty appearance of Blanche- almost walking representation of
the orthodox traditions of the south- obsession with purity and female
delicacy. ‘daintily dressed in a white suit’ ‘as if arriving at a summer tea or
cocktail party’- overdressed, ‘incongruous’ to her setting.
A nervous Blanche arrives at the cramped quarters of her younger sister,
and promptly begins to usurp the limited space — spending hours in the
bathroom, moving about the two-room flat and commenting on Stella’s
financial situation. Absolute shock when she enters the flat, which is a
complete juxta position in every way to Belle Reve- ‘This- can this be- her
home?’ ‘you do have a maid’ ‘her expression is one of shocked disbelief.’
Disapproval of Stella’s lifestyle and world of New Orleans allows Blanche
to enforce her own sense of superiority. Through the contrast of Blanche’s
character, William’s highlights how this modernisation and acceptance is
far from widespread in 1940s America.
CONTEXT: Williams moved to New Orleans in hope to find more societal
acceptance as a gay man.
