Structure And Form Flashcards
(10 cards)
What kind of structure does A Streetcar Named Desire use?
The play has 11 scenes instead of traditional acts. Each scene functions like a short episode, building tension and revealing character gradually, rather than using classical dramatic stages.
How is the plays timeline structured?
It follows a mostly linear chronology over a short time frame, intensifying dramatic tension. The limited time adds urgency and pressure to Blanche’s psychological unraveling.
How does the play resemble a tragedy?
Blanche can be seen as a tragic heroine - flawed, fated and ultimately destroyed. Her downfall evokes pity and fear, key to Aristotelian tragedy, though the form is modern and less rigid.
Why is Scene 10 structurally significant?
Scene 10 is the plays emotional and structural climax - Blanche’s final breakdown and the implied rape. It marks the turning point where illusion collapses completely.
How does the plays ending mirror the beginning?
It begins with Blanche’s arrival and ends with her removal. The cyclical pattern emphasises inevitability and hopelessness - she arrives seeking refuge and leaves defeated.
Does the play follow the classical unities of drama?
Partially. Streetcar loosely follows unity of place (New Orleans apartment), time (short period), and action (Blanches decline), aligning it somewhat with classical structure while using modern realism.
Why is the confined setting important?
The small apartment creates a sense of claustrophobia and inescapability, heightening emotional conflict and tension. It also reflects post-war housing constraints and domestic entrapment .
How does Williams use stage movement and timing?
Strategic entrances/exits (e.g. Mitch arriving at key moments) drive tension and reveal character dynamics. Blanches arrival and removal bookend her emotional journey.
How is the stage used to reflect inner states?
The physical space transforms with lighting, music and shadows to reflect Blanche’s mental decline. The set becomes more than a literal space - it mirrors inner turmoil.
What genres does the play combine?
Streetcar blends realism, expressionism, Southern Gothic, and modern tragedy. This hybrid form allows Williams to critique society while exploring human emotion and psychology.
