A5 Context- Williams' life

Question 1

Williams’ quote on BDB

Answer 1

“I am Blanche DuBois”
Regarding his hysteria.

Question 2

What relationships in W’s life inspired characters?

Answer 2

• Mother (Edwina): Southern Belle. Didn’t like her husbands ‘rough’ lifestyle and thought it reflected badly on her.
• Father (Cornelius): Alcoholic working-class salesman. Negligent in his duties as a father.
• Sister (Rose): Institutionalised due to mental illness.
• Himself: He was gay at a time where it was considered a mental illness. (BDB’s first husband committing suicide shows the pressures of society to ‘act’ & it’s negative impact on gay people)