A Streetcar Named Desire

Question 1

When and where is the play set?

Answer 1

1940s New Orleans

Question 2

What is plastic theatre?

Answer 2

A type of theatre beyond realism towards expressionism in which symbolism and other devices are used to create emotion and meaning.

Question 3

What are examples of plastic theatre?

Answer 3

• music
  -lighting
  -sounds

Question 4

How is costume established from the beginning?

Answer 4

Blanche: described wearing a ‘white suit, fluffy bodice’ which reflects the old south values connotations of being a southern Belle. White also has connotations of innocence and purity which is ironic as the audience learn more of Blanches character

Stanley: described wearing denim this reflects new south values, working class, New America

Question 5

It could be argued that scene 3 could be a microcosm of what?

Answer 5

Scene 3 is a microcosm of New Orleans and the values of the new south. (Masculinity)

Question 6

Why is poker used as a motif throughout the play?

Answer 6

Poker is used as symbolism as it’s a game of deception, bluffing and hiding the truth. It’s also a depiction of new south men

Question 7

Why do TW include the ‘party of apes monologue in the play?

Answer 7

• it increases / dramatises tension between Blanche and Stanley
• resentment is built by this scene + stan over hearing it is deliberate creation of dramatic irony
• adds authenticity to how Blanche alienates Stanley

Question 8

What is the symbolism of Blanche being compared to a moth?

Answer 8

It symbolises her delicate nature, vulnerability and ultimately her tragic downfall , self destructive nature

Question 9

Why are scenes 7 and 8 ironic?

Answer 9

They are scenes from the birthday party it’s ironic as Blanche hates attention being drawn to her age.
This scene also epitomises the antithesis and antagonism of the two characters (Blanche + Stanley)

Question 10

What were Williams purposes in the birthday party scene?

Answer 10

• it adds tension especially exaggerating Stella’s liminal position torn between the two
• accentuates stans hatred / how far he is wiling to go to destroy her
  -he is pushing the audiences sympathy for Blanche ( different audiences may respond differently)

Question 11

How does Williams create a dramatic contrast in Mitch’s behaviour in scene 9 compared to other scenes?

Answer 11

• compete contrast as he behaves much more like Stanley and the rest of the men in the new south values connotations
• initially Mitch puts up the paper lantern but ends up tearing it down in this scene as though he’s uncovering all bleaches lie to reveal the truth
• the cruel reference to not being ‘clean enough’