SouthernGothic

SouthernGothic

Literature

Literature

Sub-genre of the Gothic style Popular in Europe in 1800sFrankenstein by Mary ShelleyDracula by Bram Stoker

Unique to American literature

Relies on supernatural, ironic, or unusual events to guide the plot

Explores and reveals social issues concerning the cultural character of the American South.

Sub-genre of the Gothic style Popular in Europe in 1800sFrankenstein by Mary ShelleyDracula by Bram Stoker

Unique to American literature

Relies on supernatural, ironic, or unusual events to guide the plot

Explores and reveals social issues concerning the cultural character of the American South.

BackgroundBackground

Takes classic Gothic archetypes, such as themonster or the heroic knight, and turns theminto American Southerners

Charactera character whose negative qualities allow the author to highlight unpleasant aspects in southern culture. Southern belle as town tramp Righteous preacher as pedophile

Setting Something in the town, the house,

the farm is bizarre and often falling apart

Takes classic Gothic archetypes, such as themonster or the heroic knight, and turns theminto American Southerners

Charactera character whose negative qualities allow the author to highlight unpleasant aspects in southern culture. Southern belle as town tramp Righteous preacher as pedophile

Setting Something in the town, the house,

the farm is bizarre and often falling apart

BackgroundBackground

Cast of ‘off-kilter’ characters

Broken bodies, minds, or souls

symbolizes problems created by the established pattern

questions established pattern’s morality and ethical justification

“Innocent” as common character, who may or may not be “broken,” but who often acts as a redeemer for others

Cast of ‘off-kilter’ characters

Broken bodies, minds, or souls

symbolizes problems created by the established pattern

questions established pattern’s morality and ethical justification

“Innocent” as common character, who may or may not be “broken,” but who often acts as a redeemer for others

Defining FeatureDefining Feature

Other Specific Features

Other Specific Features

Freakishness

Outsider

Imprisonment

Violence

Sense of Place

Freakishness

Outsider

Imprisonment

Violence

Sense of Place

In most southern gothic stories, there is an important character who is set apart from the world by in a negative way by a disability or an odd, and often negative way of seeing the world.

In most southern gothic stories, there is an important character who is set apart from the world by in a negative way by a disability or an odd, and often negative way of seeing the world.

FreakishnessFreakishness

characters are set a part from the established cultural pattern, but end up being heroes difference allows them to see new ways of

doing things that ultimately help to bring people out of the “dark.”

characters are set a part from the established cultural pattern, but end up being heroes difference allows them to see new ways of

doing things that ultimately help to bring people out of the “dark.”

OutsiderOutsider

Both literal and figurative

Often includes incident where a character is sent to jail or imprisoned

Some characters live in fate's prison.

Both literal and figurative

Often includes incident where a character is sent to jail or imprisoned

Some characters live in fate's prison.

ImprisonmentImprisonment

Racial, social, and class differences often create underlying tension, oftentimes, erupting in violent ways

Racial, social, and class differences often create underlying tension, oftentimes, erupting in violent ways

ViolenceViolence

Clear depiction of rural southern setting Old small towns

Creaky front porches with rocking chairsOld downtown with stately but worn-down

buildings

Clear depiction of rural southern setting Old small towns

Creaky front porches with rocking chairsOld downtown with stately but worn-down

buildings

Sense of PlaceSense of Place

Notable Southern Gothic Lit.

Notable Southern Gothic Lit.

Bastard Out of Carolina

Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil

To Kill a Mockingbird

Streetcar Named Desire

A Rose for Emily

Bastard Out of Carolina

Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil

To Kill a Mockingbird

Streetcar Named Desire

A Rose for Emily

Streetcar Named DesireStreetcar Named Desire

Tennessee WilliamsTennessee Williams

The WriterThe WriterTennessee Williams

Born in 1911 in the American SouthGrew up in St Louis, MissouriMoved to New Orleans 1n 1938Wrote “Streetcar” in 1945 – set in New OrleansDied an alcohol related death in 1983.

Tennessee Williams

Born in 1911 in the American SouthGrew up in St Louis, MissouriMoved to New Orleans 1n 1938Wrote “Streetcar” in 1945 – set in New OrleansDied an alcohol related death in 1983.

The PlayThe Play

The play focuses on the transition between the old traditions of the American South and the newly industrialised South.

It chronicles the defeat of an aristocratic southern belle by a new working class society.

The1940s saw this society change.

The play focuses on the transition between the old traditions of the American South and the newly industrialised South.

It chronicles the defeat of an aristocratic southern belle by a new working class society.

The1940s saw this society change.

Stanley and BlancheStanley and Blanche

The characterisation of these two characters represents the two different outlooks: Blanche – romantic old fashioned,

traditionalist and elitist views Stanley – new America, American dream,

anyone can succeed if they work hard. Stella is a hybrid character: one who was of

the old traditions, but has moved with the times as a result of her marriage to Stanley.

The characterisation of these two characters represents the two different outlooks: Blanche – romantic old fashioned,

traditionalist and elitist views Stanley – new America, American dream,

anyone can succeed if they work hard. Stella is a hybrid character: one who was of

the old traditions, but has moved with the times as a result of her marriage to Stanley.

The ConflictThe Conflict

It is very much a conflict between two worlds. The genteel, aristocratic, traditional American South of Blanche and the working class immigrant world of Stanley.

Stella is caught in the middle – between these two worlds.

It is very much a conflict between two worlds. The genteel, aristocratic, traditional American South of Blanche and the working class immigrant world of Stanley.

Stella is caught in the middle – between these two worlds.

The End

Scene 1 and 2Scene 1 and 2 What clothes does Blanche wear when

she arrives in New Orleans? (type / color of clothing):

What clothes does Stanley wear when we first see him?

What animal is Blanche compared to?

What animal is Stanley compared to?

What clothes does Blanche wear when she arrives in New Orleans? (type / color of clothing):

What clothes does Stanley wear when we first see him?

What animal is Blanche compared to?

What animal is Stanley compared to?

What music plays when Stanley mentions that Blanche was married, and Blanche replies that “the boy – the boy died!” (31). Look carefully at the stage directions.

What alternate music plays throughout the first two scenes? Again, look at stage directions.

What music plays when Stanley mentions that Blanche was married, and Blanche replies that “the boy – the boy died!” (31). Look carefully at the stage directions.

What alternate music plays throughout the first two scenes? Again, look at stage directions.

Scene 1 and 2Scene 1 and 2

Scene 1Scene 1 1. What mood do the opening stage direction and

setting description create? What effect is created with the music of the “blue piano”?

2. As the play begins, how is Stanley’s primitive nature revealed?

3. How is Stella described in the stage directions? How does she contrast with Stanley, aside from being female?

4. What is known about Blanche before she speaks her first line?

1. What mood do the opening stage direction and setting description create? What effect is created with the music of the “blue piano”?

2. As the play begins, how is Stanley’s primitive nature revealed?

3. How is Stella described in the stage directions? How does she contrast with Stanley, aside from being female?

4. What is known about Blanche before she speaks her first line?

Scene 1Scene 1 5. What is Blanche’s reaction when she

reaches Stella’s home? How does she react to Eunice’s efforts to help her?

6. When Stella arrives home, Blanche tells her

to turn off the overhead light. Why does she say this?

7. How is Blanche’s drinking problem

introduced?

8. What reason does Blanche give for her arrival in New Orleans?

5. What is Blanche’s reaction when she reaches Stella’s home? How does she react to Eunice’s efforts to help her?

6. When Stella arrives home, Blanche tells her

to turn off the overhead light. Why does she say this?

7. How is Blanche’s drinking problem

introduced?

8. What reason does Blanche give for her arrival in New Orleans?

Scene 1Scene 1 9. How does Blanche react to Stella’s

apartment?

10. What does Blanche learn about Stanley before she meets him?

11. What has happened to Belle Reve?

12. When Stanley, Mitch and Steve return from bowling, what do they agree to do the next day?

13. What dramatic function do Steve and Eunice, as a couple, seem to serve?

9. How does Blanche react to Stella’s apartment?

10. What does Blanche learn about Stanley before she meets him?

11. What has happened to Belle Reve?

12. When Stanley, Mitch and Steve return from bowling, what do they agree to do the next day?

13. What dramatic function do Steve and Eunice, as a couple, seem to serve?

Scene 2Scene 2 1. Why is Stella taking Blanche out for the

evening? What is Stanley’s reaction?

2. At the beginning of the scene, Blanche is taking a bath. Why? What is symbolic about this bath?

3. Why does Stella ask Stanley to understand and be nice to Blanche?

4. How does Stanley receive the news that Belle Reve has been lost?

1. Why is Stella taking Blanche out for the evening? What is Stanley’s reaction?

2. At the beginning of the scene, Blanche is taking a bath. Why? What is symbolic about this bath?

3. Why does Stella ask Stanley to understand and be nice to Blanche?

4. How does Stanley receive the news that Belle Reve has been lost?

Scene 2Scene 2 5. Why does Stanley think that Blanche has

“swindled” Stella?

6. How does Stanley react when Stella tells him to wait outside with her? Why do you think he acts this way?

7. What does Blanche have to say about truth and illusion?

8. How do Blanche and Stanley seem to feel about each other? Support your answer with evidence from the play.

5. Why does Stanley think that Blanche has “swindled” Stella?

6. How does Stanley react when Stella tells him to wait outside with her? Why do you think he acts this way?

7. What does Blanche have to say about truth and illusion?

8. How do Blanche and Stanley seem to feel about each other? Support your answer with evidence from the play.

Scene 2Scene 2 9. How does Blanche interact with Stanley?

What is she doing? 10. What does the appearance of the tamale

vendor suggest at the end of the scene?

9. How does Blanche interact with Stanley? What is she doing?

10. What does the appearance of the tamale

vendor suggest at the end of the scene?

Scene 2Scene 2 9. How does Blanche interact with Stanley?

What is she doing? 10. What does the appearance of the tamale

vendor suggest at the end of the scene?

9. How does Blanche interact with Stanley? What is she doing?

10. What does the appearance of the tamale

vendor suggest at the end of the scene?

Scene 3Scene 3

Scene 3Scene 3 1. Describe the poker players. How is Mitch

different from the other men?

2. Why and how does Stanley show his anger during the game?

3. Stella introduces Blanche to Mitch. What is Blanche’s immediate reaction to Mitch?

4. Explain Stella’s assessment of Stanley in relation to the other men.

1. Describe the poker players. How is Mitch different from the other men?

2. Why and how does Stanley show his anger during the game?

3. Stella introduces Blanche to Mitch. What is Blanche’s immediate reaction to Mitch?

4. Explain Stella’s assessment of Stanley in relation to the other men.

Scene 3Scene 3 5. How do the other men react to Mitch’s

distraction and desire to quit the game?

6. When Stanley runs into the bedroom to turn off the music, why does he stop short at the sight of Blanche?

7. Explain the significance of Mitch’s silver cigarette case.

8. Blanche tells Mitch the meaning of her name. How is her name both ironic and symbolic?

5. How do the other men react to Mitch’s distraction and desire to quit the game?

6. When Stanley runs into the bedroom to turn off the music, why does he stop short at the sight of Blanche?

7. Explain the significance of Mitch’s silver cigarette case.

8. Blanche tells Mitch the meaning of her name. How is her name both ironic and symbolic?

Scene 3Scene 3 9. What are some of the lies that Blanche

tells Mitch? 10. Why does Blanche ask Mitch to place the

paper lantern over the light bulb? What does the lantern symbolize, and what does covering the light bulb symbolize?

9. What are some of the lies that Blanche tells Mitch?

10. Why does Blanche ask Mitch to place the

paper lantern over the light bulb? What does the lantern symbolize, and what does covering the light bulb symbolize?

Scene 3Scene 3 11. Why does Stanley throw the radio out the

window? How does this affect the others?

12. Why do the men try to restrain Stanley?

13. What do the comments made by Eunice and by Mitch tell us about the relationship of

Stanley and Stella?

11. Why does Stanley throw the radio out the window? How does this affect the others?

12. Why do the men try to restrain Stanley?

13. What do the comments made by Eunice and by Mitch tell us about the relationship of

Stanley and Stella?

Scene 4Scene 4 1. Contrast Blanche and Stella’s attitudes

towards Stanley’s violence.

2. How does Stella feel about Stanley’s temper? How did she react to what he did on their wedding night?

3. How does Blanche offer to “save” Stella? What is Stella’s reaction?

4. What is Blanche’s attitude toward money? Explain.

1. Contrast Blanche and Stella’s attitudes towards Stanley’s violence.

2. How does Stella feel about Stanley’s temper? How did she react to what he did on their wedding night?

3. How does Blanche offer to “save” Stella? What is Stella’s reaction?

4. What is Blanche’s attitude toward money? Explain.

Scene 4Scene 4 5. How is Blanche’s understanding of desire

different from Stella’s?

6. Describe the conversation Stanley overhears between Blanche and Stella. Give Stanley’s reaction. How does Stella respond when Stanley enters the room? Why?

5. How is Blanche’s understanding of desire different from Stella’s?

6. Describe the conversation Stanley overhears between Blanche and Stella. Give Stanley’s reaction. How does Stella respond when Stanley enters the room? Why?

Scene 5Scene 5 1. What does Blanche’s letter to Shep

Huntleigh reveal about her?

2. What is the significance of Stanley being a Capricorn (goat) and Blanche a Virgo (virgin)?

3. What has Stanley found out about Blanche’s past in Laurel?

4. How does Blanche react when confronted with this situation?

1. What does Blanche’s letter to Shep Huntleigh reveal about her?

2. What is the significance of Stanley being a Capricorn (goat) and Blanche a Virgo (virgin)?

3. What has Stanley found out about Blanche’s past in Laurel?

4. How does Blanche react when confronted with this situation?

Scene 5Scene 5 5. Explain Blanche’s statement that she doesn’t

show how much longer she can “turn the trick.”

6. What does Blanche hope for in a relationship with Mitch?

7. How had Blanche deceived Mitch?

8. Why does the teenager come to the apartment? What happens between Blanche and him? What do we learn about Blanche from this encounter?

9. What is the purpose of Mitch’s appearance at the end of this scene?

5. Explain Blanche’s statement that she doesn’t show how much longer she can “turn the trick.”

6. What does Blanche hope for in a relationship with Mitch?

7. How had Blanche deceived Mitch?

8. Why does the teenager come to the apartment? What happens between Blanche and him? What do we learn about Blanche from this encounter?

9. What is the purpose of Mitch’s appearance at the end of this scene?

Scene 6Scene 6 1. Why does Blanche seem depressed at

the beginning of this scene?

2. Describe Blanche’s behavior with Mitch. Why is this behavior ironic?

3. What does Blanche tell Mitch about life with Stanley, and what is Mitch’s reaction?

4. Why does Mitch want to know Blanche’s age?

1. Why does Blanche seem depressed at the beginning of this scene?

2. Describe Blanche’s behavior with Mitch. Why is this behavior ironic?

3. What does Blanche tell Mitch about life with Stanley, and what is Mitch’s reaction?

4. Why does Mitch want to know Blanche’s age?

Scene 6Scene 6 5. What does Blanche tell Mitch about her

past? Why does she confide in Mitch? 6. How does this incident in Blanche’s past

affect her present life?

7. How does Mitch respond to Blanche’s secret about her past?

8. What might Blanche have meant in her last line of this scene?

5. What does Blanche tell Mitch about her past? Why does she confide in Mitch?

6. How does this incident in Blanche’s past

affect her present life?

7. How does Mitch respond to Blanche’s secret about her past?

8. What might Blanche have meant in her last line of this scene?

Scene 7Scene 7 1. What news does Stanley reveal about

Blanche? How does Stella react to this news?

2. What is the irony of the song Blanche sings in the bathtub?

3. How does Stanley destroy Blanche’s plans for her future? What are Stanley’s plans for Blanche?

1. What news does Stanley reveal about Blanche? How does Stella react to this news?

2. What is the irony of the song Blanche sings in the bathtub?

3. How does Stanley destroy Blanche’s plans for her future? What are Stanley’s plans for Blanche?

Scene 8Scene 8 1. Describe the situation at the beginning

of the scene.

2. What does Stella say that angers Stanley? What is Stanley’s reaction? Why?

3. Why does Blanche try to phone Mitch?

4. What is Stanley’s birthday present for Blanche, and why is it a cruel gift? How does Blanche respond?

1. Describe the situation at the beginning of the scene.

2. What does Stella say that angers Stanley? What is Stanley’s reaction? Why?

3. Why does Blanche try to phone Mitch?

4. What is Stanley’s birthday present for Blanche, and why is it a cruel gift? How does Blanche respond?

Scene 8Scene 8 5. What is Stanley’s explanation for his

actions towards Blanche?

6. How are life and death juxtaposed at the end of this scene?

5. What is Stanley’s explanation for his actions towards Blanche?

6. How are life and death juxtaposed at the end of this scene?

Scene 9Scene 9 1. When and how does scene 9 begin?

2. What is the purpose of the playing of the polka tune, the “Varsouviana”?

3. The doorbell rings. Blanche discovers that it is Mitch. What does she do before she answers the door?

4. Describe Mitch’s condition and Blanche’s reaction. 5. How does Blanch try to deceive Mitch about the liquor? Why doesn’t this work?

1. When and how does scene 9 begin?

2. What is the purpose of the playing of the polka tune, the “Varsouviana”?

3. The doorbell rings. Blanche discovers that it is Mitch. What does she do before she answers the door?

4. Describe Mitch’s condition and Blanche’s reaction. 5. How does Blanch try to deceive Mitch about the liquor? Why doesn’t this work?

Scene 9Scene 9 5. Why does Mitch destroy the paper

lantern? How is this action symbolic?

6. What does Blanche say about realism and magic?

7. What upsets Mitch the most about Blanche? How did he verify the truth about her history?

8. Why is Blanche’s comparison of herself

to a “tarantula” ironic?

5. Why does Mitch destroy the paper lantern? How is this action symbolic?

6. What does Blanche say about realism and magic?

7. What upsets Mitch the most about Blanche? How did he verify the truth about her history?

8. Why is Blanche’s comparison of herself

to a “tarantula” ironic?

Scene 10Scene 10 1. When and how does scene 10 begin?

What is Blanche’s condition? What is Stanley’s condition?

2. Explain how tension is created with the

appearance of Stanley?

3. How has Blanche fallen victim to her own illusions?

4. Why does Stanley get out his silk pajamas?

1. When and how does scene 10 begin? What is Blanche’s condition? What is Stanley’s condition?

2. Explain how tension is created with the

appearance of Stanley?

3. How has Blanche fallen victim to her own illusions?

4. Why does Stanley get out his silk pajamas?

Scene 10Scene 10 5. What lies does Blanche tell about Mitch?

Why? 6. What is ironic about Blanche’s statement

that she cannot forgive Mitch?

7. How does Stanley further humiliate Blanche?

5. What lies does Blanche tell about Mitch? Why?

6. What is ironic about Blanche’s statement

that she cannot forgive Mitch?

7. How does Stanley further humiliate Blanche?

Scene 11Scene 11 1. The scene opens to another poker night.

How has Stanley’s luck changed since the first poker night? How is this game symbolic?

2. What is Blanche’s condition and how is Stella dealing with it?

3. What does Shep Huntleigh represent to Blanche?

4. How has Stella deluded herself? What is Eunice’s advice to Stella?

1. The scene opens to another poker night. How has Stanley’s luck changed since the first poker night? How is this game symbolic?

2. What is Blanche’s condition and how is Stella dealing with it?

3. What does Shep Huntleigh represent to Blanche?

4. How has Stella deluded herself? What is Eunice’s advice to Stella?

Scene 11Scene 11 5. How does Mitch seem to feel about

Blanche at this point? Explain.

6. Cite evidence that Blanche seems to be obsessed with purity.

7. How is Stanley’s tearing the paper lantern from the bulb significant?

8. What is the significance of Blanche’s

final line?

5. How does Mitch seem to feel about Blanche at this point? Explain.

6. Cite evidence that Blanche seems to be obsessed with purity.

7. How is Stanley’s tearing the paper lantern from the bulb significant?

8. What is the significance of Blanche’s

final line?

Scene 11Scene 11 9. Cite evidence that a feeling of

“continuation” is communicated at the end of the play.

10. How have lighting and sound effects helped establish the play’s atmosphere throughout?

9. Cite evidence that a feeling of “continuation” is communicated at the end of the play.

10. How have lighting and sound effects helped establish the play’s atmosphere throughout?

Background to the PlayBackground to the Play

The play focuses on the transition between the old traditions of the American South and the newly industrialised South.It chronicles the defeat of an aristocratic southern belle by a new working class society.Up until the 1940s the American South had an agricultural driven economy which allowed for a distinct white upper class.The1940s saw this society change. Industrialisation saw a new working class emerge. A working class from a huge number of different backgrounds. The American Dream!

The play focuses on the transition between the old traditions of the American South and the newly industrialised South.It chronicles the defeat of an aristocratic southern belle by a new working class society.Up until the 1940s the American South had an agricultural driven economy which allowed for a distinct white upper class.The1940s saw this society change. Industrialisation saw a new working class emerge. A working class from a huge number of different backgrounds. The American Dream!

Stanley and BlancheStanley and Blanche

The characterisation of these two characters represents the two different outlooks: Blanche – romantic old fashioned, traditionalist

and elitist views Stanley – new America, American dream,

anyone can succeed if they work hard. Stella is a hybrid character: one who was of

the old traditions, but has moved with the times as a result of her marriage to Stanley.

The characterisation of these two characters represents the two different outlooks: Blanche – romantic old fashioned, traditionalist

and elitist views Stanley – new America, American dream,

anyone can succeed if they work hard. Stella is a hybrid character: one who was of

the old traditions, but has moved with the times as a result of her marriage to Stanley.

Overview and Background to the Play

Overview and Background to the Play Stella and Blanche Dubois are sisters who previously

owned and lived on a plantation: Belle Reve Stella left Belle Reve around the time of the death of

her father, whilst Blanche stayed and watched it crumble as the relatives all died.

Blanche clings to the traditional lifestyle, whilst Stella recognises a need for change.

Stella married Stanley and they live humbly in Elysian Fields – Blanche is horrified by their living conditions.

When Blanche arrives to stay for a short time, it is clear that the sisters are very different and slightly estranged.

It quickly becomes evident that Blanche has had some kind of traumatic experience that has affected her significantly, shown through her erratic behaviour and actions.

Stella and Blanche Dubois are sisters who previously owned and lived on a plantation: Belle Reve

Stella left Belle Reve around the time of the death of her father, whilst Blanche stayed and watched it crumble as the relatives all died.

Blanche clings to the traditional lifestyle, whilst Stella recognises a need for change.

Stella married Stanley and they live humbly in Elysian Fields – Blanche is horrified by their living conditions.

When Blanche arrives to stay for a short time, it is clear that the sisters are very different and slightly estranged.

It quickly becomes evident that Blanche has had some kind of traumatic experience that has affected her significantly, shown through her erratic behaviour and actions.

The Classic Southern Woman

The Classic Southern Woman

“Model of Virtue”“Guardian of youth”“a restraint on man’s natural vice and

immorality”Considered inferior to menLooks to others for protectionBlanche DuBois is educated but stuck

in the past.

“Model of Virtue”“Guardian of youth”“a restraint on man’s natural vice and

immorality”Considered inferior to menLooks to others for protectionBlanche DuBois is educated but stuck

in the past.

The Napoleonic Code and The French Quarter

The Napoleonic Code and The French Quarter

New Orleans owned by the French up until 1803.

French Law continued.Part of this law meant that a spouse

had a right to own part of a property previously owned by the other.

The play is set in the French QuarterAt the time a “melting pot” of

different races and classes.

New Orleans owned by the French up until 1803.

French Law continued.Part of this law meant that a spouse

had a right to own part of a property previously owned by the other.

The play is set in the French QuarterAt the time a “melting pot” of

different races and classes.

The CharactersThe Characters Blanche DuBois Stella Kowalski Stanley Kowalski Harold Mitchell (Mitch) Eunice Hurbel Steve Hurbel Pablo Gonzales Negro Woman A Strange Man A Strange Woman A Young Collector A Mexican Woman

Blanche DuBois Stella Kowalski Stanley Kowalski Harold Mitchell (Mitch) Eunice Hurbel Steve Hurbel Pablo Gonzales Negro Woman A Strange Man A Strange Woman A Young Collector A Mexican Woman

Key ThemesKey Themes Think about the themes

below. In groups of four, number yourselves and think about the corresponding numbered theme below. Create a mind map coming up with all the different ways that the dramatist has addressed these themes. Remember to consider all of your literary techniques.

1. Insanity 2. Reality versus fantasy3. Sex, death and fate4. Conflict

Think about the themes below. In groups of four, number yourselves and think about the corresponding numbered theme below. Create a mind map coming up with all the different ways that the dramatist has addressed these themes. Remember to consider all of your literary techniques.

1. Insanity 2. Reality versus fantasy3. Sex, death and fate4. Conflict

CharacterisationSymbolismKey scenesDialogue ClimaxAspects of staging

music (important in this play)

lighting stage directions stage set

Streetcar Named DesireStreetcar Named Desire

Establishment of conflict between Blanche and Stanley

in the opening scene…

Establishment of conflict between Blanche and Stanley

in the opening scene…

The ConflictThe Conflict

The play “A Streetcar Named Desire” revolves around the conflict between the characters Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski.

It is very much a conflict between two worlds. The genteel, aristocratic, traditional American South of Blanche and the working class immigrant world of Stanley.

Stella is caught in the middle – between these two worlds.

The play “A Streetcar Named Desire” revolves around the conflict between the characters Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski.

It is very much a conflict between two worlds. The genteel, aristocratic, traditional American South of Blanche and the working class immigrant world of Stanley.

Stella is caught in the middle – between these two worlds.

The Opening Scene!The Opening Scene!

The conflict between Blanche and Stanley is set up in the opening scene of the play.

In this scene the differences between Blanche and Stanley are made clear to the audience.

The conflict between Blanche and Stanley is set up in the opening scene of the play.

In this scene the differences between Blanche and Stanley are made clear to the audience.

StanleyStanley Read pages two and three and compare your first

impressions of these different characters: consider descriptions, objects, and dialogue they use.

1. What is Stanley carrying when he comes home?2. What does he do with it?3. How is this package described?4. Where is Stanley going next?

5. How is Blanche dressed?6. What colour is she wearing?7. What does “incongruous to this setting” mean?8. What animal is Blanche compared to?

Read pages two and three and compare your first impressions of these different characters: consider descriptions, objects, and dialogue they use.

1. What is Stanley carrying when he comes home?2. What does he do with it?3. How is this package described?4. Where is Stanley going next?

5. How is Blanche dressed?6. What colour is she wearing?7. What does “incongruous to this setting” mean?8. What animal is Blanche compared to?

Stanley - AnswersStanley - Answers

He comes home with a package of meat which is described as being “covered in blood.”

This immediately informs the audience that Stanley is a primitive, physical character – He is seen here in the role of the hunter gatherer.

He comes home with a package of meat which is described as being “covered in blood.”

This immediately informs the audience that Stanley is a primitive, physical character – He is seen here in the role of the hunter gatherer.

Stanley Continued…Stanley Continued…

Stanley also speaks in a very brisk, monosyllabic way underlining his primitive image.

He is also about to go bowling and this activity is very much a part of the new immigrant culture that is connected to Stanley and not Blanche.

Stanley also speaks in a very brisk, monosyllabic way underlining his primitive image.

He is also about to go bowling and this activity is very much a part of the new immigrant culture that is connected to Stanley and not Blanche.

Blanche - AnswersBlanche - Answers Blanche is described as being “daintily dressed in a

white suit…” Her appearance does not fit into the tough, working class environment she finds herself in.

The reference to the moth reminds the actress that Blanche is to appear fragile, bewildered and shocked by the area where her sister lives.

By using the words “daintily” and “delicate” in the stage directions we are immediately aware that she is very different from the confident and direct manner of Stanley.

Notice the word “white” is also repeated three times, suggesting the purity and naivety of Blanche in comparison with Stanley who is later seen wearing a red bowling jacket.

Blanche is described as being “daintily dressed in a white suit…” Her appearance does not fit into the tough, working class environment she finds herself in.

The reference to the moth reminds the actress that Blanche is to appear fragile, bewildered and shocked by the area where her sister lives.

By using the words “daintily” and “delicate” in the stage directions we are immediately aware that she is very different from the confident and direct manner of Stanley.

Notice the word “white” is also repeated three times, suggesting the purity and naivety of Blanche in comparison with Stanley who is later seen wearing a red bowling jacket.

Blanche Pages 5-17Blanche Pages 5-17

Find quotes to support the following points about Blanche’s character.

Find quotes to support the following points about Blanche’s character.

The Character of BlancheThe Character of Blanche

She is fragile and vulnerable She has a craving for alcohol We become aware of her class snobbery She has a constant need for flattering

comments from her sister She treats Stella as a child and acts the

“big sister” There is an undercurrent of tension

between the sisters

She is fragile and vulnerable She has a craving for alcohol We become aware of her class snobbery She has a constant need for flattering

comments from her sister She treats Stella as a child and acts the

“big sister” There is an undercurrent of tension

between the sisters

QuotationsQuotations

Learning Intentions1.Identify relevant information.2.Choose appropriate quotations and frame them effectively in your writing.Quotations should be…

Relevant Short Part of your sentence

Learning Intentions1.Identify relevant information.2.Choose appropriate quotations and frame them effectively in your writing.Quotations should be…

Relevant Short Part of your sentence

Some Useful QuotationsSome Useful Quotations

“Her appearance is incongruous to the setting.” (Page 7)

“She looks bewildered”“Why, that you had to live in

these conditions?” (Page 11)

“Her appearance is incongruous to the setting.” (Page 7)

“She looks bewildered”“Why, that you had to live in

these conditions?” (Page 11)

Using Your Quotations!Using Your Quotations!

The conflict between Blanche and Stanley is set up in the opening scenes. The audience is immediately aware that Blanche is ill-at-ease in the shabby surroundings of downtown New Orleans. When she arrives at her sister’s address, “she looks bewildered” and her appearance is “incongruous to the setting.” In addition Blanche is portrayed as a snob. She asks Stella, “Why, that you had to live in these conditions?” These factors contradict major aspects of Stanley’s character and alert the audience to Blanche’s unease and lack of respect for her surroundings.

Similarly, the opening depiction of Stanley’s character alert the audience to impending conflict…

The conflict between Blanche and Stanley is set up in the opening scenes. The audience is immediately aware that Blanche is ill-at-ease in the shabby surroundings of downtown New Orleans. When she arrives at her sister’s address, “she looks bewildered” and her appearance is “incongruous to the setting.” In addition Blanche is portrayed as a snob. She asks Stella, “Why, that you had to live in these conditions?” These factors contradict major aspects of Stanley’s character and alert the audience to Blanche’s unease and lack of respect for her surroundings.

Similarly, the opening depiction of Stanley’s character alert the audience to impending conflict…

Your TaskYour Task

Focus on the opening scene of “Streetcar”.

Find three quotations that describe Stanley and demonstrate how different he is to Blanche.

Continue the paragraph on the previous slide using your 3 quotations.

Focus on the opening scene of “Streetcar”.

Find three quotations that describe Stanley and demonstrate how different he is to Blanche.

Continue the paragraph on the previous slide using your 3 quotations.

Finally!Finally!

Make notes about Blanche and Stella’s past and what we find out about Belle Reve.

Pages eleven and twelve

Make notes about Blanche and Stella’s past and what we find out about Belle Reve.

Pages eleven and twelve

CharacterisationCharacterisationStanley

1. Loyal2. Primitive3. Aggressive4. Sexist5. Hospitable 6. Passionate7. Proud8. Cruel9. Family man10.Realist

Stanley1. Loyal2. Primitive3. Aggressive4. Sexist5. Hospitable 6. Passionate7. Proud8. Cruel9. Family man10.Realist

StellaStella1.1. SensitiveSensitive

2.2. UnderstandingUnderstanding

3.3. HelpfulHelpful

4.4. SelfishSelfish

5.5. PassionatePassionate

6.6. ObedientObedient

7.7. Submissive Submissive

8.8. WelcomingWelcoming

9.9. HonestHonest

10.10. Independent Independent

BlancheBlanche1.1. PolitePolite

2.2. Vulnerable Vulnerable

3.3. Sensitive Sensitive

4.4. VainVain

5.5. CreativeCreative

6.6. Old-Old-fashionedfashioned

7.7. Flirtatious Flirtatious

8.8. ThoughtlessThoughtless

9.9. DreamerDreamer

10.10. InsaneInsane

Scene 2Scene 21. Stanley is irritated at the beginning of this scene –

what is causing him to feel this way and why do you think he is particularly sensitive about this?

2. How do Stella’s actions exasperate Stanley’s feelings further?

3. Blanche emerges from the first of many long baths – bathing is a motif in this play – why do you think she spends so long in the bath during the play?

4. What colour of robe is Blanche wearing and what does this suggest about her past?

5. What causes the first major conflict between Blanche and Stanley?

6. What does Stanley do to Blanche’s belongings and what event does this foreshadow?

1. Stanley is irritated at the beginning of this scene – what is causing him to feel this way and why do you think he is particularly sensitive about this?

2. How do Stella’s actions exasperate Stanley’s feelings further?

3. Blanche emerges from the first of many long baths – bathing is a motif in this play – why do you think she spends so long in the bath during the play?

4. What colour of robe is Blanche wearing and what does this suggest about her past?

5. What causes the first major conflict between Blanche and Stanley?

6. What does Stanley do to Blanche’s belongings and what event does this foreshadow?

Scene 3Scene 31. Describe the way that Stanley interacts with his

friends and the position that he holds within the group.

2. Describe the inconsistencies between Blanche’s behaviour around men and her expectations of how they should behave.

3. Select a quotation from this scene that highlights Stanley’s sexist and disrespectful attitude to women. Analyse and evaluate its effect.

4. A significant symbol in the play is light, but its normal associations have been reversed. Blanche’s purchases a paper lantern and whilst asking Mitch to put it up explains that she “can’t stand a naked light-bulb, any more I can a rude remark or a vulgar action”. Why do you think she avoids the light?

1. Describe the way that Stanley interacts with his friends and the position that he holds within the group.

2. Describe the inconsistencies between Blanche’s behaviour around men and her expectations of how they should behave.

3. Select a quotation from this scene that highlights Stanley’s sexist and disrespectful attitude to women. Analyse and evaluate its effect.

4. A significant symbol in the play is light, but its normal associations have been reversed. Blanche’s purchases a paper lantern and whilst asking Mitch to put it up explains that she “can’t stand a naked light-bulb, any more I can a rude remark or a vulgar action”. Why do you think she avoids the light?

Scene 4 – A Turning PointScene 4 – A Turning Point Summarise the events in this scene Consider the conversation between Stella and Blanche on

page 45 and 46, specifically the references to the streetcar – what are they really discussing through the disguise of metaphor?

The scene functions as a turning point for the following reasons:1. Stanley overhears Blanche’s condemnation of him therefore sealing

her fate and his decision to ruin her and force her to leave. 2. Stella chooses Stanley over Blanche, foreshadowing her decision at

the end of the play to commit her sister to a mental institution.3. The discussion of the streetcar links with the title and the theme of

fate: Just like a streetcar is fixed to tracks, so Blanche is headed for disaster in the play with no alternative path.

4. The idea of desire, is also introduced and is integral to Blanche’s downfall.

5. Blanche’s hysteria and actions (attempting to call Shep Huntleigh), further cast doubt on her sanity.

Summarise the events in this scene Consider the conversation between Stella and Blanche on

page 45 and 46, specifically the references to the streetcar – what are they really discussing through the disguise of metaphor?

The scene functions as a turning point for the following reasons:1. Stanley overhears Blanche’s condemnation of him therefore sealing

her fate and his decision to ruin her and force her to leave. 2. Stella chooses Stanley over Blanche, foreshadowing her decision at

the end of the play to commit her sister to a mental institution.3. The discussion of the streetcar links with the title and the theme of

fate: Just like a streetcar is fixed to tracks, so Blanche is headed for disaster in the play with no alternative path.

4. The idea of desire, is also introduced and is integral to Blanche’s downfall.

5. Blanche’s hysteria and actions (attempting to call Shep Huntleigh), further cast doubt on her sanity.

Scene 5Scene 5 In scene five, Stanley threatens and intimidates

Blanche with suggestions of knowledge of her past. She becomes increasingly frightened.

Read the account of her actions she gives to Stella, p.53. How do these descriptions link with those in her introduction in scene 1, and what qualities do they reveal about Blanche’s character?

Stella spills what on Blanche, p.54? Consider the colour of the skirt, and suggest the various events

described within the play that this could reflect.

In scene five, Stanley threatens and intimidates Blanche with suggestions of knowledge of her past. She becomes increasingly frightened.

Read the account of her actions she gives to Stella, p.53. How do these descriptions link with those in her introduction in scene 1, and what qualities do they reveal about Blanche’s character?

Stella spills what on Blanche, p.54? Consider the colour of the skirt, and suggest the various events

described within the play that this could reflect.

Scene 5 – Hinge QuestionScene 5 – Hinge Question What happens with the young man selling

subscriptions just prior to Mitch’s arrival at the Kowalski apartment?

Consider the reasons for Blanche’s actions. Is this …A. an indication of just how moth-like Blanche is,

clarifying that she is incapable of settling with only one man.

B. a example of her urges for self-destruction, and therefore insanity.

C. a revelation of her hypocritical personalityD. Clarification that after having lost the only man she

truly cared about, and blaming herself for this, she cannot allow herself the chance of another happy life?

What happens with the young man selling subscriptions just prior to Mitch’s arrival at the Kowalski apartment?

Consider the reasons for Blanche’s actions. Is this …A. an indication of just how moth-like Blanche is,

clarifying that she is incapable of settling with only one man.

B. a example of her urges for self-destruction, and therefore insanity.

C. a revelation of her hypocritical personalityD. Clarification that after having lost the only man she

truly cared about, and blaming herself for this, she cannot allow herself the chance of another happy life?

Scene 6Scene 6 Summarise the key events in this scene. During Blanche and Mitch’s conversation back

at the apartment, Blanche’s reckless behaviour surfaces again. Explain the two examples that occur during their conversation.

Find quotations from this scene that re-enforce Blanche’s need for illusion and fantasy.

In this scene the audience finally understands the full meaning of the polka music. What is it and who is the only character that can hear it?

Summarise the key events in this scene. During Blanche and Mitch’s conversation back

at the apartment, Blanche’s reckless behaviour surfaces again. Explain the two examples that occur during their conversation.

Find quotations from this scene that re-enforce Blanche’s need for illusion and fantasy.

In this scene the audience finally understands the full meaning of the polka music. What is it and who is the only character that can hear it?

Summary Scene 8Summary Scene 8 Blanche’s gloomy birthday party is winding down.

Mitch does not arrive. Stanley smashes a plate angry at being told he is

“greasy.” Stanley complains about the heat from Blanche’s

steam bath. Stanley offers Blanche her birthday present – a

one way ticket back to Laurel on the bus. Blanche runs to the bathroom making gagging

noises – Stanley’s cruelty has literally taken Blanche’s breath away.

Stella reproaches Stanley for his cruelty but he explains how they were perfectly happy until Blanche came along.

At the end of the scene Stella asks to be taken to the hospital – the baby is on its way.

Blanche’s gloomy birthday party is winding down. Mitch does not arrive.

Stanley smashes a plate angry at being told he is “greasy.”

Stanley complains about the heat from Blanche’s steam bath.

Stanley offers Blanche her birthday present – a one way ticket back to Laurel on the bus.

Blanche runs to the bathroom making gagging noises – Stanley’s cruelty has literally taken Blanche’s breath away.

Stella reproaches Stanley for his cruelty but he explains how they were perfectly happy until Blanche came along.

At the end of the scene Stella asks to be taken to the hospital – the baby is on its way.

Analysis of Scene 8Analysis of Scene 8 Stanley, Stella and Blanche become increasingly short-

tempered. Stanley shows he has had enough of Blanche and wants her

to leave. Stella grows assertive for the first time in the play. She

demands that Stanley should not go bowling and demands to know why he is being so cruel to Blanche.

However, just at the moment Stella begins to think independently of Stanley, she goes into labour. This reasserts her connection and reliance to Stanley.

Stanley also reminds Stella that she was once posh and snobbish like Blanche but he removed those airs and graces. He tells Stella that before Blanche arrived she was happy to be common.

The suggestion of Stanley’s speech is that he desires to take ownership of people and things that make him feel inferior.

His actions towards Blanche are so cruel because he misunderstands how weak Blanche was in the first place.

Stanley, Stella and Blanche become increasingly short-tempered.

Stanley shows he has had enough of Blanche and wants her to leave.

Stella grows assertive for the first time in the play. She demands that Stanley should not go bowling and demands to know why he is being so cruel to Blanche.

However, just at the moment Stella begins to think independently of Stanley, she goes into labour. This reasserts her connection and reliance to Stanley.

Stanley also reminds Stella that she was once posh and snobbish like Blanche but he removed those airs and graces. He tells Stella that before Blanche arrived she was happy to be common.

The suggestion of Stanley’s speech is that he desires to take ownership of people and things that make him feel inferior.

His actions towards Blanche are so cruel because he misunderstands how weak Blanche was in the first place.

Summary of Scene 9Summary of Scene 9 Mitch arrives while Blanche is alone in the apartment. Blanche descends into her own world. Hearing the polka music

that was playing when her husband killed himself. She hears the gunshot in her mind and is clearly anxious.

Mitch unaware of what Blanche is talking about grows more impatient.

Eventually Mitch explains what is on his mind and says he does not care about Blanche’s age but is annoyed about the fact that she lied to him all summer about being morally upright.

Mitch explains that he has heard the stories about her behaviour in Laurel.

Blanche tries to deny the charges but is eventually forced to admit the truth.

She finally breaks down and explains through sobs that after her husband’s death she panicked and searched for companionship to fill her loneliness.

She explains that Mitch gave her hope but that she was wrong to hope because her past eventually caught up with her.

Mitch tells Blanche that she is not fit to live in the same house as his mother and Blanche orders him to leave, collapsing into hysterics.

Mitch arrives while Blanche is alone in the apartment. Blanche descends into her own world. Hearing the polka music

that was playing when her husband killed himself. She hears the gunshot in her mind and is clearly anxious.

Mitch unaware of what Blanche is talking about grows more impatient.

Eventually Mitch explains what is on his mind and says he does not care about Blanche’s age but is annoyed about the fact that she lied to him all summer about being morally upright.

Mitch explains that he has heard the stories about her behaviour in Laurel.

Blanche tries to deny the charges but is eventually forced to admit the truth.

She finally breaks down and explains through sobs that after her husband’s death she panicked and searched for companionship to fill her loneliness.

She explains that Mitch gave her hope but that she was wrong to hope because her past eventually caught up with her.

Mitch tells Blanche that she is not fit to live in the same house as his mother and Blanche orders him to leave, collapsing into hysterics.

Analysis of Scene 9Analysis of Scene 9 Mitch’s disappointment in the relationship does

not stop him from approaching Blanche sexually. However, while Mitch accepts the end of their

relationship with resignation, Blanch becomes desperate and unhinged.

Blanche sees marriage as the only way to escape the demons of her marriage.

Once Mitch crushes the make believe identity Blanche has constructed for herself she descends into madness.

Blanche retreats into the make-believe world of her own mind; unable to face reality.

Mitch’s disappointment in the relationship does not stop him from approaching Blanche sexually.

However, while Mitch accepts the end of their relationship with resignation, Blanch becomes desperate and unhinged.

Blanche sees marriage as the only way to escape the demons of her marriage.

Once Mitch crushes the make believe identity Blanche has constructed for herself she descends into madness.

Blanche retreats into the make-believe world of her own mind; unable to face reality.

Analysis Scene 9 Cont…Analysis Scene 9 Cont… Scene 9 fails to tell us whether Blanche’s

difficulties are her own responsibility or whether she is a victim of her own circumstance.

It is true that Blanche’s sexual duplicity and romantic delusions have been the source of her fall.

She was born into a society that required the suppression of desire and where she expected wealth and social status.

Finally, Blanch is also Stanley’s victim. His cruelty and disclosure of her past contribute directly to her fate.

Scene 9 fails to tell us whether Blanche’s difficulties are her own responsibility or whether she is a victim of her own circumstance.

It is true that Blanche’s sexual duplicity and romantic delusions have been the source of her fall.

She was born into a society that required the suppression of desire and where she expected wealth and social status.

Finally, Blanch is also Stanley’s victim. His cruelty and disclosure of her past contribute directly to her fate.

Literary TechniquesLiterary Techniques Characterisation

Blanche Stanley Stella Mitch (minor character)

Setting Working class, immigrant, new America, small claustrophobic

apartment

Symbols/Motifs Bathing Meat Light Varsouviana Polka Contrast of Stanley and Blanche (lion vs. moth, light vs.

darkness, realism vs. fantasy, old America vs. New America)

Characterisation Blanche Stanley Stella Mitch (minor character)

Setting Working class, immigrant, new America, small claustrophobic

apartment

Symbols/Motifs Bathing Meat Light Varsouviana Polka Contrast of Stanley and Blanche (lion vs. moth, light vs.

darkness, realism vs. fantasy, old America vs. New America)

Literary TechniquesLiterary Techniques Key Scenes

Scene Four Turning Point (Stanley overhearing Blanche’s opinion of him)

Scene Ten: Climax (Stanley’s triumph through the rape of Blanche)

Themes: Insanity Fate Conflict Desire Death

Key Scenes Scene Four Turning Point (Stanley overhearing Blanche’s

opinion of him) Scene Ten: Climax (Stanley’s triumph through the rape of

Blanche)

Themes: Insanity Fate Conflict Desire Death