Streetcar symbols and motifs

Question 1

The streetcar

Answer 1

Williams called it ‘the ideal metaphor for the human condition’
Refers literally to a streetcart but also symbolically to the power of desire as driving the narrative of the characters and carrying them to the end of the line

Question 2

Varsouviana polka

Answer 2

Blanche associates it with Alan Grey’s suicide, plays when she is reminded of him
Continues until something in the real world distracts her and a gunshot is heard in her head
Heard by the audience but only Blanche onstage

Question 3

Bathing

Answer 3

For Blanche to ‘soothe her nerves’
Attempt to cleanse herself and escape reality
In contrast the men dunk Stanley in the shower to sober him up and face the real world

Question 4

Paper lantern and paper moon

Answer 4

Lantern over light bulb represents Blanche’s attempt to mask her past and present appearance
It is only a temporary thing that can be broken at any moment
Mitch hangs up the lantern representing how Blanche can maintain her Southern Belle facade around him
Blanche sings ‘Paper Moon’ whilst Stanley tells Stella about her past, showing how Blanche puts on a modest and coquettish nature

Question 5

Alcohol and drunkenness

Answer 5

Both Blanche and Stanley drink throughout the play
When Stanley is drunk he becomes more hypermasculine, violent and brutal
Blanche hides her alcoholism, uses it as an escapism

Question 6

Shadows

Answer 6

Represent dream world and escape from reality
Blanche seeks refuge of shadows and half-light to hide from harsh reality
When Stanley rapes Blanche his shadows overtake her on the wall to represnt him as physically overpowering
Shadows become a threatening element throughout the play