A+Streetcar+Named+Desire


 * ** Possible points of comparison for the Paper 2 comparative essay ** ||

Some further resources which may be of use (I haven't had time to extrapolate from these so it might be a good idea to have a read through). > [] > [] > First published **1947** ||
 * []
 * Elements ||  A Streetcar Named Desire  ||
 * Background / writer / publication date / social context / genre || **Tennessee Williams**
 * Subject matter / content ||  ||
 * Themes / ideas / authorial intent || Appearance versus Reality

Psychological Realism/Human Struggle with Reality

The Link between Sex and Death || Trumpet Varsouviana ||
 * Characterisation ||  ||
 * Character connections ||  ||
 * Narrative structure / technique ||  ||
 * Time scale / sequence ||  ||
 * Setting ||  ||
 * Lighting ||  ||
 * Sound || Blue Piano
 * Style of language / techniques ||  ||
 * Symbolism / motifs || The use of **light**

The **Varsouviana** is symbolic of the haunting memories of Allan for Blanche.

The **blue piano**

The streetcars, **Desire** and **Cemetery**, represents Blanche's own personal journey.

Blanche's regular, rigorous **bathing** symbolises her vain attempts at "washing away her sins".

The use of **colour symbolism** -
 * Blanche often wears **white**, and her happiness in the bathroom, as well as her **hygiene habits** all serve to highlight Blanche's need for purity and cleanliness. ||
 * Mood / atmosphere ||  ||
 * Openings ||  ||
 * Closings ||  ||
 * Costumes ||  ||
 * Genre / style ||  ||
 * Quotes and Explanations of Quotes || //"I've never had a real good look at you"//

//"I know! I know! You disgust me..." And then the searchlight which had been turned on the world was turned off again and never for one moment since has there been any light that's stronger than this - kitchen - candle..." - Scene 6, Page 57//
 * Blanche said this about her husband, Allan, when she found out he was a homosexual. The revelation from her to Mitch is significant in uncovering the haunting past of Blanche, aiding in her character development. Light symbolism is, again mentioned here and many of Blanche's qualities are explained here. (E.g. avoidance of light, the use of the paper lantern). The **Varsouviana** links with this quote also. ||