1. A Streetcar Named Desire
Past Vs Present
A Streetcar Named Desire
Tennessee Williams

2. Conflict between values of old world and the new
Contrast between Stanley and Blanche
Represent different aspects of American society!
Stanley represents the American dream – that all men are
born equal and can succeed equally. He is associated with the
world of stark reality, rooted in the present.
conflict
Blanche represents the old world, where class and race were important issues.
She is associated with a fantasy world, rooted in the past.

3. The South associated with a landed elite in elegant houses
For Tennessee Williams the South stood for strong
cultural values whilst the North was greedy and sordid
Little reference to WW2 – Williams was more affected by American Civil War

4. Belle Reve Associated with: Past Death
False illusion of pastoral beauty
Old America is seen as a beautiful dream in Blanche’s mind
- in reality it is based on racism and prejudice.

5. Blanche represents the faded grandeur of the American past
Already a ghost!
White clothes
Fear of light
Detachment of reality

6. The present Stanley is associated with the present.
Stark reality
Stanley is associated with the present.
New Orleans is associated with:
Modern
Mixed
Open/frank
Sexuality/relationships
Involvement in WW2 led to
Economic boom, rise in immigrants
and a mix in classes
Privileged/plantation (past)
V’s
Immigrant in New Orleans

7. Stanley strips away the illusions embedded in the past
Conflict between values of old world and the new!
Hypocrisy of old America Vs
Vulgarity of new America
Unborn baby gives hope to darkness of the play
- mixture of Stanley and Stella

8. Dialogue
Sentimental/poetic
Abruptness/simplicity
Blanche
Stanley

9. Climax
Tennessee Williams was influenced by European culture increases dramatic tension through revealing to the audience the degree to which the character’s self image is pretence.
The climax comes when the character
is forced to confront
both past and present simultaneously!
Essence of the character
is disclosed