ASCND Flashcards
(14 cards)
Tennessee Williams
Critical of modern America - disagreed with inequality between men and women as a result of callous society in the chokehold of patriarchy.
Social cohesion between genders.
Plastic Theatre
Perpetuating presence ‘locomotive is heard’ foreshadowing the end of the play symbolic of troublesome omnipresence.
Interrupts Blanches rare moment of candour to show ending of innocence and beginning of her pretences.
Strong force of locomotive is not to be reckoned with the augmentation in sound builds tension and adds the sense that something malicious happened between Stanley and Blanche.
Colour
Childish spectrum - garnish and oversaturated colours clashing together like overbearingness of men or rejection of immaturity - luxury of childhood living.
Modern tragedy
Doesn’t fit into traditional Greek tragedy , no tragic hero, audience takes away the value of the deceit behind society and the knowledge of no clear antagonist insinuation of deep faults within society.
“Crude images flashing into his mind determining the way he smiles at them.”
Animal assessing prey - women as small vulnerable creatures that he dominates - sexual imagery - satisfy sexual desires.
Mentally insulting and objectifying women - their identity is whats beneath their clothes.
Post WW2 new USA male - different cultures intertwine and there is no longer an expectation to comply with societal norms and values leading to deviation through oppression.
External treatment depends on his sexual view - hyper-masculinity and omnipotent sexual drive - rape scene.
Unapologetic male gaze - propels dominance - crushes curious mannerism behind orthodox beauty and mystery. Enjoys watching women struggle and try to impress him - superior complex.
“Nothing belongs on a poker table but cars, chips and whiskey.”
3 rather than two suggesting imbalance - symbolising genders.
Symbolism of life - how you live isnt up to chance there are good and bad players. Those that win are deceitful - justifying Stanley’s unorthodox mannerisms - microcosm for survival of the fittest.
Excessive drinking - violence reflection of Williams father who participates in all-night poker.
Triadic structure - game plan and tactical reason - chips represent currency - whiskey is the atmosphere - simplicity found within comfort zone - hyper masculinity prevents men from progressing.
“And I - I’m fading now! I don’t know hot much longer I can turn the trick.”
Scene 5 - Blanche kisses paper boy - self sabotage through recklessness - foil to Stanley acting on impulsive mannerisms doesn’t wait for reply nor confirmation - now aligned with Stanley.
Syntax - hyphens to demonstrate fragmentation - melodrama to enter sensationalism.
Lack of certainty - removal of sins - constant cleansing through bathing.
“I can’t stand a naked light bulb anymore than i can a rude remark or vulgar action.”
Dramatic irony - social patriarch guilty of many actions.
Vulnerability and unorthodox outlandish situations - to gain social confidence.
Opposition towards light.
Subtle attack on Stanley stark change towards dominant demeanour.
Syntaxically speaks of talk analogous to a light bulb - remedy for uncouth behaviour - lantern support.
Perpetual panic in a battle against light, ominous yet frustrating.
“I’m not used to having more than one drink before dinner. But I’ll have one with you.”
Power - Stanley’s domineering persona - Stella’s habit of tending.
Internal dissonance - Stella’s complex negotiation between heritage and new identity.
Foreshadows conflict - Blanche views this as indulgence and her refined sensibilities are emphasised through her estrangement from Stella’s life.
Acquiescence to the hegemony of her husband - submissive mannerisms.
Juxtaposition - initial reluctance and subsequent compliance - tension between social conditioning and evolving attitudes.
“I couldn’t believe her story and go on living with Stanley.”
Ironic - Stella is living in delusion as Blanche was.
Reason as to why Blanche got sent to the mental hospital.
Internal conflict between moral and psychological feelings - blanches rape could be true. She has chosen life with Stanley and the baby over the truth.
“Roughly dressed in blue denim work clothes.”
Not the best description of Stanley - Williams focuses on the effect Stanley has on people by his intense masuclinity and sexual aggression rather than his appearance - ironic as he cares so much for it.
“Music fades away.”
Scene 3 - it epitomises how Mitch is moving Blanche towards happiness, she doesn’t need to be lonely she has found hope.
“The blind are leading the blind.”
Foreshadows both Stella and blanches tragic end, Stella only sees the good in Stanley and Blanche need her support.
“And if God choose, I shall but love thee better - after - death.”
Mitches inscription on his cigarette case - Elizabeth Barrett Browning - reveals his vulnerability and sensitivity - he has had his own experience with loss.
The inscription symbolizes Mitch’s romantic and idealistic view of love, particularly his unwavering belief in Blanche despite her flaws. It also hints at his vulnerability and the potential for enduring love beyond the limitations of this life.
He sees Blanche as someone special, and he is willing to love her “better” even in death, indicating a profound and enduring love.
The inscription suggests a deeper connection between Mitch and Blanche, beyond the initial flirtation and deception. It hints at a possibility of true love that transcends superficial appearances.
His belief in a love that endures even after death suggests a need for connection and a yearning for something more lasting than the superficial world around him.
The quote serves as a contrast to Blanche’s own deceptive nature and her pursuit of fleeting romances. Mitch’s unwavering love, symbolized by the inscription, highlights the sincerity of his feelings compared to Blanche’s calculated manipulations.
