A Streetcar Named Desire Analysis Essay

Analysis of performance choices that relate to the historical and cultural context of A Streetcar Named Desire Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire highlighted many social issues of 1940s America through theatrical apparatus such as stage direction, linguistic tools and using characters metaphorically. These issues include the marked inequalities between social classes, the subjugation and oppression of women and racial divides. Williams’ realistic approach to characterisation sought to encourage the audience to think about the progress of American culture at the time. Through analysis of scene eight’s performance choices, William’s own views can be deduced. During this period, men were considered to have higher status than women and often exercised their power through brute force and emotional abuse. Williams begins the scene in a setting of high tension as the characters are finishing a ‘dismal birthday supper’ (Williams, 2009: 76). Stage directions are used to initiate a confrontation between male and female hierarchy. Blanche challenges Stanley’s authority by
Theatrical techniques, like Stanley’s outburst, were intended to shock the audience, highlighting the seriousness of domestic violence which was all too familiar in the 1940s. Meaningful messages about class and social mobility were cleverly portrayed through character’s opinions. Use of racism in the play left the audience thinking about immigration and questioning what it is to truly be an American. Williams’ work provided political catharsis for the audience, and helped to pave the way for a generation where the mixing of classes and races became more acceptable. A streetcar named desire brought a multitude of cultural matters to the forefront and broke conventions, contributing to societie’s change in