A Streetcar Named Desire Identifying theme

Death and Desire This can be a difficult theme to write about. The play explores the idea that desire is what makes us feel alive. Blanche uses desire almost as a drug to escape the small deaths in her life- Literal deaths (of Alan, and her family members) Metaphorical deaths (of her reputation, her status, her hopes) Who else combines death and desire?

Dreams and Reality The play explores the ways in which many of the characters fool themselves and live in their own dream worlds, ignoring the reality of their situation. Arguably, Stanley is the only character who fully recognises and faces up to the truth. Is this why he triumphs in the end?

The clash of values between old and new America The play explores the tension which exists between two perceptions of America: The old plantation society of the South, which puts an emphasis on superficial good manners and breeding - as personified by Blanche And the modern, industrial society of the early 20 th century, which has lost the etiquette of the past and represents the idea of “every man for himself” - as personified by Stanley

Let’s play … Name That Theme!

1. Try not to – compare him with men we went out with at home.

2. “Please don’t get up” “Nobody’s going to get up, so don’t be worried”

3. I’m not accustomed to having more than one drink.

4. I can’t stand a naked light bulb, any more than I can a rude remark or a vulgar action.

5. STELL – LAHHHHHH!

6. I take it for granted that you still have sufficient memory of Belle Reve to find this place and these poker players impossible to live with.

7. Have got to be seductive – put on soft colours, the colours of butterfly wings, and glow – make a little temporary magic just in order to pay for – one night’s shelter!

8. I guess it is just that I have – old fashioned ideals!

9. And then the searchlight that 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!

10. Say it’s only a paper moon, sailing over a cardboard sea But it wouldn’t be make believe if you believed in me!

11. What I am is a hundred percent American, born and raised in the greatest country on earth and proud as hell of it.

12. I pulled you down off them columns and how you loved it.

13. I’ve asked you to go out with me sometimes on Sundays but you always make an excuse. You never want to go out till six and then it’s always some place that’s not lighted much.

14. After the death of Alan, intimacies with strangers was all I seemed to be able to fill my empty head with.

15. “I received a telegram from an old admirer of mine.” “Anything good?” “A cruise of the Caribbean on a yacht!”

16. A cultivated woman, a woman of intelligence and breeding, can enrich a man’s life – immeasurably!

17. You come in here and sprinkle the place with powder and spray perfume and cover the lightbulb with a paper lantern and lo and behold the place has turned into Egypt and you are the Queen of the Nile!

18. I couldn’t believe her story and go on living with Stanley.

19. You left nothing here but spilt talcum and empty perfume bottles.

20. I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.