Context on Williams Flashcards
What was Williams’ father like and how did this influence the play?
His father (C.C Williams) was a heavy drinker and this marked the start of the families deterioration.
Williams grew up loathing his father but later realized that he had given him tough survival instincts.
This is mirrored in the character wo Stanley who uses alcohol which aids his aggression.
What happened to William’s sister that influenced his play?
She suffered from a mental illness and underwent a prefrontal lobotomy as a result.
Her mental illness influenced the character of Blanche whose mental state unravels as a result of her desires.
What was Williams experience like at school growing up?
He was always shy and fragile and was ostracized and taunted at school.
Who influenced Williams and work is used in the epigraph?
Hart Crane
A section from his work called ‘The Broken Tower’
Why did Williams idolize Hart Crane so much?
Crane also had a difficult relationship with his family and suffered bouts of alcoholism.
Crane was also a homosexual writing - trying to find a means of self-expression in a heterosexual world.
Both were trying to find their identities as gay men at a time where there was a strong social stigma attached to being a homosexual.
How does Hart Crane’s life link to the character of Allan?
Hart crane also committed suicide at a young age before he wrote ‘The Broken Tower’.
How does the epigraph from ‘The Broken Tower’ link to moments and characters in the play?
It expresses Crane’s isolation and search for elusive happiness.
This links to the fractured world of Blanche - she seeks ‘the visionary company of love’ in Mitch.
It captures love as a transitory illusion or a desperate choice - seen in Blanche’s experiences.
This cause Blanche to ‘hurl’ her continually denied love into the world.
How does the play link to post war life in America?
The characters are trying to rebuild their lives in postwar America.
Stanley and Mitch served in the military.
Blanche had affairs with young soldiers based near her home.
Why may the play be considered a domestic tragedy?
The play is only ever set in the home of Stanley and Stella - confined to domestic sphere.
It uncovers the atrocities surrounding domestic abuse which occurred and was hidden during a post war society.
Where is the play set and what is the significance of this?
New Orleans - New South
During and after World War II, New Orleans evolved from an impoverished, agrarian society into a more prosperous and industrial one.
The city was known for being multicultural and diverse following the increase in immigration.
What is plastic theatre?
It combines visual and audio elements to share complex themes and emotions with the audience.
Creates a more engaging and immersive experience.
This method allows the audience to feel a deeper connection to the characters and the story being told.
