Streetcar+Discussion+(2A&4A)

= = Streetcar Named Desire and Death of a Salesman toc Welcome to the Streetcar Discussion!

Main Course: Discussion on what Blanch and Stanley represent
//One of the main interpretations of the play is that it is an allegory. Just as in __Animal Farm__ the characters represent real people from Stalin's Russia, it is arguable that in __A Streetcar Named Desire__ the characters represent different social models. Stanley could be said to represent the new social order of valuing material goods rather than culture and gentility, of nakedly pursuing wealth rather than having enough money you never talk about it, of the new ascendancy of the working classes and the idea that they can succeed. Blanche could be said to represent the romantic, genteel, cultured old South which Williams knew to be flawed and based on injustice but was nonetheless deeply fond of - so fond he changed his name from Thomas to Tennessee!//

//Please read the 'Literary Background' pdf on the resources page and post a reflection, quotation or comment about this interpretation belwo.//

**Appetizer: Reflections following Scene One**

 * Ms Kemsley's comments in italics**

I have to agree with Mr. Gibson- is it really necassary for this extent of sexual references? Wood(ies), bloody meet, Belle Reve 's columns, BOWLING BALLS? Ms. Kemsley mentioned that William's sometimes is critizised for using obvious symbols, but I suspect that he was very aware of the..pretty straight (hahaha! straight!) forward symbols...what is the purpose of this obviousness?
 * Andrea-**
 * Abie: Andrea, Rob and Jeffery I was wondering if maybe his reason for the use of so many obvious sexual references is because of his own insecurities about his sexuality? Is he condemning his own homosexuality?

//Williams was more subtle than you're making out! Just because DuBois means wood in French and SOME critics have made sexual connotations does not mean Williams's play is littered with direct references to stiff male members! Stanley is characterized by his sexuality because:// //1. It makes his rape of Blanche more credible later on// //2. It develops his characterization convincingly as a stereotypical young male - by the extremely negative results this has we perhaps see that Williams is criticizing this kind of physical sexuality acted on without care or thought// //3. It enables Williams to explore the similarities and differences between male and female sexuality// //4. It works very well with the reading that Stanley represents the money grabbing, uncultured mores developing in American society - in this reading Stanley's crude sexuality is a criticism of the uncultured materialism which Williams saw was beginning to gain respectability, compared to the decaying civility represented by Blanche. In this reading, the rape is a symbolic act of domination by the new, thrusting culture over the old, genteel one.//
 * To everyone re: The play's sexuality**

//I've posted a PDF file on the resources page that develops these ideas in more detail. Ms K.//

I found numerous connections with the play " A Doll's House." Brenda makes a good point about Blanche and Stella's relationship being similar to that of Torvald and Nora. I found the point interesting that Ibsen and Miller increase dramatic tension in a similar manner by revealing to the audience piece by piece the real image of the character. The character confronts their past and the present and acknowledge their actions in turn dealing with the consequences. This character is obviously Nora in the Doll's House. However will it be multiple characters in this particular play? Blanche or Stanley? Maybe Stanley and Stella will see their relationship in a new light.
 * Aileen:**

In the intense exchange between Blanche and Stella, Blanche started pouring out her sufferings back at home and how she had to watch every family member pass away. What was her purpose of doing so? //Her purpose is to prevent Stella from blaming her for the loss of Belle Reve. But, in your paper two essay try to talk about Williams's purposes rather than the characters' - the dramatic purpose here is to reveal Blanche's resentment and insecurity to the audience.// Blanche and Stella seem to have a relationship similar to that of Torvald and Nora, where Blanche patronizes Stella and makes her seem like a child "You messy child, you, you've spilt something on that pretty white lace collar!" (p. 15). What does Williams want to show here?, as it seem less like a foil but more like a critique on how Blanche picks on the smallest things rather than focusing on reuniting with her sister. //I think it is actually mostly for juxtaposition. Blanche's character is really developed when we see her as bossy and critical, as is the audience's knowledge of the dynamics of her relationship with Stella.//
 * Connie-**
 * Brenda-**

Stella is very defensive of Stanley when Blanche begins to criticize him. Does Stella know that Stanley's "greatest pleasure in life" is women and that he cheats on her? //Stanley's promiscuity is something Stella can't face - she's too much in love with him. At the end of the play she sends Blanche to an asylum rather than allow herself to believe that Stanley raped her.//
 * Ashley-**

People of colour appear in this play. How significant are they to the rest of the play, in the sense that questions of racism are being dealt with, or is it simply a portrayal of how New Orleans is like at the point in time? Do they have more purpose than showcasing the attitudes of the aristocrats, such as Blanche DuBois, towards people of colour? //Please see the new resource on William's relationship with the Old South on the resources page. We do see Blanches' snobbery here, along with two aspects of the South - its past, based on the racist exploitation of Slaves, and the present, where relationships are more equal and cordial.//
 * Dion-**

In some aspects Williams's life sounds similar to the plot of the play. Also, there are sayings that authors use character/plays as a mouth piece. How much does Williams purposely use the play to portray his own life? //Critics speculate a lot about this. The two most significant features are thought to be his sorrow at the incarceration of his sister into an asylum, echoed here and in The Glass Menagerie, as well as promiscuity. He was a promiscuous homosexual who had trouble finding lasting relationships - some say that Blanche represents him in her weakness for young men and her inability to find true love. When writing about the play it's important not to get too obsessed with these issues however since we can only ever speculate.//
 * Lancelot-**

One of the sources claim that Williams's sister suffered from a breakdown in 1947, and Williams suffered from depression throughout his life, and lived in fear that he would go insane. Does this at all reflect into Blanche's character? Throughout scene 1 she seems like she is hiding something, and her character's actions and words make her seem uncomfortable and unsure of her own self. In addition to this, the abrupt ending of scene one, where she informs the audience that her husband died, also allude to a deeper, darker past. So, in other words, is Blanche mentally stable? //No, she isn't! However, neither is she truly insane - she is judged for her sexual promiscuity by society and punished by Stanley's rape. Williams seems to be presenting a sympathetic picture of how desire can ruin one's life if uncontrolled. See also my comments to Lance above.//
 * Ragna-**

Janina- Is there a reason that Blanche is almost described too much? Williams gives her the most in-depth description out of all the characters. //She's the protagonist! See also my reply to Lance above.//

Ok… let me get this out: Stanley represents the new American, but does that mean Williams is trying to hint that America is heading into the wrong direction? -- Because Stanley has many flaws in the beginning of scene one. I mean… he’s insensitive and lustful to the extent that he later rapes his sister-in-law (*cited from the scene by scene analysis of scene 1). // Oh dear - why not so happy?? Yes, he is strongly criticizing the direction in which society is moving. But - he also criticizes the Old South through Blanche - she is genteel and educated (positive) but also snobbish and overly delicate (negative). // Akshay- Context: Stella's previous life with Blanche seems to be far different than her current life. She used to be of a family of a good amount of money and a decent house. But she never went back despite the fact that it is clear that Stella was needed. Question: How did Stella adjust so quickly to the New Orleans life? She seems to have no trouble doing so- offering no tips to Blanche to help her adjust almost as if she always lived in New Orleans and the poor life.
 * The-Not-So-Happy-Terrence~**

// If we take Stanley to represent the new social animal and Blanche the decaying south, then Stella is the bridge that joins them - she has the education and culture combined with acceptance and lack of snobbery.On a more literal level, her character is shown to be happy with Stanley and fulfilled by him sexually and socially. Finally, a good amount of money does not necessarily equal happiness - presumably the girls' family life was not entirely happy if Stella left so readily and returns so infrequently. // Reflecting on both Scene 1 and the resources it seems as if Blanche is very concerned with her past and heritage, which is a lot like Willy's clinging on to the past in Death of a Salesman. Does this mean her character will experience a similar downfall within the play? //Yes! Lovely insight Anna. However, Blanche is different in that she also symbolizes the past, and her downfall is not caused by the loss of it but by her own sexual immoralities. Hang on a second! You could argue that for Willy too, with his adultery...another interesting connection.//
 * Anna- **

In the scene-by-scene analysis of the play, it is suggested that Blanche's moth like appearance and actions are very important to her character. You (Ms. Kemsley) suggested that Blanche breaks down because, as a moth would die in the light, she is exposed to too much light. However, because you said you might be reading into it too much, I was wondering if that would be a valid explanation of her character, and a simple reason for her breakdown? Although I realise that there are (always) more reasons and causes leading up to her collapse, I really like this interpretation of her moth like character. //I'm glad you liked it! I do too! Her breakdown is caused by two things - being forced to face up to her past actions and having them exposed to others (which you could argue is like a moth being exposed to the light) and by being forced into sex with Stanley, which you could also argue is like exposure to light since Stanley is a sexual magnet who likes to shine a bright light on things and look at them clearly. So, actually, I stand by my interpretation this time - I think it works quite nicely! (Not meaning to sound vain there).//
 * Charlotte-**

After re-reading scene 1, to me, I feel as though the amount of sexual references and symbols used are excessive/ too much. I was just wondering if anyone else feels the same way? And also, not having finished reading the play, is it necessary for Williams to cram this much sexual 'stuff' into the opening scene? //It does seem a little clumsy on the page. When seeing it on stage the action is moving fast and you don't have time to notice so much of it or chat about it with classmates, so it does seem more subtle. Please also see my reply to Andrea.//
 * Rob-**

Anika- The character Blanche Dubois in scene 1 seems to not be able to see or confront reality, similar to the tragic characters in almost all the plays we have read (Oedipus, Willy/Biff, Nora..), I wonder if she will also be able to see (metaphorically) in the end? Will she come to a realization, just like Willy? Does Blanche Dubois as a character correspond with the makings of a tragic character according to Aristotle? ( i think it's aristotle, correct me if im wrong!) //She never really comes to understand her own flaws, but she is forced to expose her past misdemeanors to the audience and other characters. I'm glad you're enjoying this recurring literary motif - I hope you're starting to see sense in the structure of the course as a whole now we're nearly at its end!//

Abie: I was just wondering about the connection between desire and fate? I think its rather ironic that because of Stanley's raw masculinity and sexuality he automatically must attract the women around him (stripping in front of Blanche) and correct me if I'm wrong, he does! Blanche is attracted to him. She desires him...but then get's raped by him. Desire and fate? Also even in the first line Blanche has and the TITLE of the play. Street Car named DESIRE....Blanche doesn't desire to be where she is..she thinks its a mess and her version of poverty. It's ironic. Is it fate for her to be in a place that she doesn't desire to be in? //Great question! Please see the 'Desire & Fate' pdf I've just posted on the resource page.//

I agree with Rob's opinion that there are alot of sexual references in the first scene. However my question is what does Blanche's first line mean where she says,
 * Jeffrey**-

'They told me to take a street-car named Desire, and then transfer to one called Cemeteries and ride six blocks and get off at-Elysian Fields!'.

What is the significance of this line and its connection to the play? //Hopefully you have this after class today??//


 * Spencer**

When reading the first scene of Streetcar I had a lot of questions regarding the characters of the play and how they might intermingle and change. However, after answering the questions on the homework sheet and thinking about each question in depth, I actually started to have more questions about the play. For example, Blanche's drinking problem seemed to be highly emphasized throughout stage directions and quotes, and even Stanley's quote unconsciously speaks of her drinking problem through the quote, "Some people rarely touch it, but it touches them often." My question is will alcohol play any effect on the outcome of the play? I also am curious as to why Stella is so different to Blanche, and wonder whether Blanche will adapt to the New Orleans community and change her personality. Hopefully these questions are slowly answered as our classes slowly progress! //Blanche's need for alcohol shows her desire to hide from unpleasantness and the past. Alcoholics drink in order to forget, or numb emotional pain - Williams uses her drinking to suggest the fragility of her mental state which also has the effect of foreshadowing her later breakdown. It also creates suspense - we wonder what's so disturbing to her she needs to drink so much. Good question!//

So, since I'm sure everyone has noticed, but Mr. Williams uses quite a lot of straight-forward literary devices to either describe either characters or setting. As Rob, Jeffery, Andrea, and others have pointed out, Tennessee Williams also is not one to be metaphorical in his sexual innuendo. Though it can be speculated that he does this for the reason of simplicity of his play, does Tennessee Williams have another reason for making descriptions in his play so easy to point out? //Please see my response to Rob & Andre, and the 'Desire & Fate' pdf on the resources page.//
 * Joel**

Ashley: Based on the way Stanley is portrayed with his "animalistic" lustfulness and his aggressive nature, are the readers and audiences supposed to view Stanley as the good guy or the bad guy? Same with Blanche, even though the whiteness and her instability is supposed to portray her as weak and gentle (as we did in class) but her bossiness and lies make her seem more manipulative than weak. So I am confused as to how are we supposed to view the characters? //You should view them as flawed, believable human beings. Just like Willy, we don't have to like Blanche so much as understand her, and later, pity her. Hope that helps!//

Homework Section 2
Finally, can you see how the romance of the old south reflected anywhere in this scene? How is it portrayed? Would you agree at this point that is play is about conflict between old (Romantic South) and new (the desire for material success)?

**//Ragna- //** Personally, the perfect moment that captures the true differences between "old" and "new" is when Blanche runs into Stella's room at the end of Scene 4, in complete shock as to what happened the night before. Her frantic interrogation, asking questions like "Why, I've been half crazy Stella!" "What were you thinking?" "How could you come back here last night?" "He did //what?"// help reflect her characters naive and seemingly old-fashioned opinions about sex and love. Her opinions seem to be out dated in the "Romantic South". She does not understand how two people can go from an abusive argument one moment, into a passionate, heated moment the next. Her reaction clearly demonstrates that she has never found, or never had such lust or desire for someone (which makes us rethink about her past marriage and love?). Blanche is in utter shock about the situation, while Stella, calm and collected as she is, tries to explain to her the norms and customs of New Orleans, and how this is a common occurrence. While I do agree that there is a clear conflict between Blanche and Stella's view points, I do not know if I fully agree with the differences between Romantic South and Desire for Material Success, but perhaps this is made clearer later in the play.

** Terrence Hates Stanley ** First, a quick note to my group today: sorry about saying that the bathing not being a motif because I thought she wouldn’t take a bath often… but apparently she does... Sorry for reading ahead :3 Anyways, the old south is reflected in this scene in many ways. The audience must first understand that it’s inevitable that the old and new America to clash. Blanche says “I have an idea [stella] doesn’t understand you as well as I do” (Williams 40) to portray that Blanche understands why there is a conflict between her and Stanley. The new American that desires material success will definitely envy the aristocratic life that Blanche has. He keeps accusing Blanche of selling the house because he wants money no matter what. Also, we see that Blanche is another example of false appearances (*ding ding: connections) because she has a luggage full of fake or cheap stuff. Also, I think that Stanley is a bit dumb… His merciless attacks on Blanche, direct or indirect, show his desire for material success again—he does not understand that Blanche’s jewelry and dresses are not from the top.

**brenda!** The romantic South, from my interpretation, refers to the society Blanche is used to--the large plantations, the snobbery of the upper classes, and refinement. Already from Scene Two, Blanche represents the decay of the old south in acknowledging its age, "yellowing with antiquity" as she refers to the love letters she clings to, much like the social distinction she feels puts her above the other characters (p. 42). In contrast to the yellow and pale colours of scene two, Williams contrasts this with the new age, with stage directions utilising "the raw colours of childhood's spectrum" as well as dressing the characters in bright colours like the blues, purple, red-and-white check, light green, as well as the "vivid slices of watermelon" that make the scene much more vibrant and less vintage and reserved in a sense, representing the vividness and exhilaration the new age of consumerism brings that attracts others (46). Blanche once again represents the old south with her pale yellow lighting, blue satin kimono, amongst a previously pastel outfit. In her diction as well, the play shows a great contrast between her and Mitch's diction in that she is able to spot the context of his lighter inscription whereas he, uneducated, is not. The contrast in diction and heritage, where Blanche explains the origins of her last name as well as emphasizing her high class connection, "French by extraction. Our first American ancestors were French Huguenots" seems grandly out of place as the man she is interacting with cannot relate. Thus, with the sharp contrast in lighting, staging, costume and dialogue, I believe Williams is trying to portray a conflict between the old romantic South and the new, though I would also say at this point, from a modern perspective, the south seems too snobby and out of place in the laid-back community of Elysian Fields.

**Dion** I agree with Brenda in saying that the romantic South, up till now, is portrayed as the rich, extravagant South that Blanche is from. Essentially, there are in love with their appearances and exterior. They perhaps go by the idea that everything needs to look lovely from the outside. I was wondering how would be characterize Stella? We see that Stanley can be abusive in Scene 3, however she still sticks with him and runs back to him right after. Stella says that she is in love with Stanley and thus is able to accept his accepts. Would we classify her as a hopeless romantic? A question I do have is which side does Stella represent? At a point in Scene 4, Blanche asks if Stella still has the "memory of Belle Reve to find this place and poker players impossible to live with" (80). Also, this helps us understand how the Old South is drastically different from the environment in New Orleans. Blanche mentions their upbringing again later, citing that Stanley is not at all a "gentleman" and their upbringing taught them that they had to be with gentlemen. This is part of the Old South being reflected. There is definitely a conflict between the old and the new. This is seen through Blanche who questions the way of living in New Orleans. She does not understand how people of different races and intermingle, how Stella can stay in such a small apartment, how Stella can accept Stanley and his friends. However, it seems that both the Old and the New have a desire for money. Stanley is uptight about Belle Reve, afraid that Blanche cheated him of his (or Stella's) money. Blanche is thinking about ways to get money, evident in her tale of encounter with Shep Huntleigh.

**Ashley**

In the play, Blanche represents the old South, while Stanley represents the new. In Scene three, when Blanche and Stella return home to find the men playing poker, Blanche says "Please don't get up" and Stanley replies by saying "Nobody's going to get up, so don't be worried." Men were always suppose to be gentlemen and treat women with respect and be polite to them by getting up when the ladies enter ("Lady's first") and Blanche seems to expect this from Stanley and his friends, which supports her "old-fashioned ideas." However, instead Stanley portrays an indifferent and annoyed attitude towards Blanche and remains seated along with his friends, which characterizes him as a representation of the "new South." I agree with Dion that both "old" and "new" desire material possessions, seeing that Blanche is searching for a way to get money and Stanley accuses Blanche of cheating him/Stella of their money.

Karen Blanche and Stella serve as foil characters in the play, with Blanche representing ideals of the new romantic south, and Stella as a believer of the old south. Blanche hastily tries to get Stella out of what she perceives to be a dangerous marriage because Stanley hit Stella the night before. Blanche attempts to reconnect to an old lover to try to give both her and Stella a job, essentially providing them with money so that Stella can leave Stanley. Blanche focuses on the money and successes that should be a factor in a marriage, saying condescendingly to Stella "Honey, would I be here if the man weren't married?" (pg 77). This exposes what Blanche perceives a good and stable marriage should include: money. However, Stella juxtaposes Blanche's beliefs by saying "But there are things that happen between a man and a woman in the dark- that sort of make everything else seem-unimportant" (pg 81). Essentially, Stella's attitude towards a successful relationship includes passion and sex (old south), while Blanche's attitude towards a successful relationship includes wealth and stability (new south).

Lance In reply to Karen, I agree with her view point that the difference between Blanche (representing the New age) and Stella (representing the Old south). It is very obvious how Blanche's focus in a marriage differs greatly from how Stella thinks a marriage should be. Stella felt that as a married coupled, they should accept each other's hobbies (Stanley having poker parties... her own movie hobbies....). Also, Stella found it acceptable for Stanley to have that madness the night before in Scene 3 as long as he apologized and felt sorry. To Blanche, this is absolutely unacceptable. She finds that wealth and success is what is most important. Through this, the audience member can clearly see the clash between the Old south and the New era.

Joel

The romance of the Old South can be seen slightly through the setting of the play in general as well as through the relationship of Stanley and Stella. Both the setting and the relationship are much traditionally based. Set in New Orleans, the setting is centered on the tenant buildings and the cultural aspect of the people who live there. The constant blues music adds to the feel of romance throughout the play. Between Stanley and Stella, the audience can see a genuine love between the two. Stella gave up her old aristocratic life for a poorer one with Stanley out of genuine love. Yet their relationship ironically changes and soon becomes tainted with the ideals in the New South as seen in Scene 3 as Stanley beats her. In addition, the evidence for the Old South is overshadowed by Blanche’s presence of the New South. It is evident that Blanche has a need for material possessions and societal recognition. Having found no true love in her life, Blanche has a need to make others want her and takes her lavish possessions for granted. Because she has no love, she must make others love her, and she uses her possessions to find love in them.

Spencer

While reading scenes 3 and 4 the relationship between Stella and Stanley it seemed clear to me that they share is an old southern romance, or at least what I believe. This play takes place when their is not only racial segregation, but also segregation between genders. This is seen in the relationship between Stella and Stanley when Stanley appears as the dominant figure in the relationship, and is in control of Stella physically when he beats her, and apparently not for the first time. This type of behavior would not be acceptable in today's society, but because the play is set in New Orleans during this time period, this olden southern romance is expressed through this relationship between Stella and Stanley and highlights the inequality of men and women.

**Jeffrey** It is quite evident that in scene 3, the conflict between Stella and Stanley is really a confrontation between contrasting values of the Old South and the New South. Stella says "Drunk-drunk-animal thing, you! All of you-please go home! If any of you have one spark of decency in you-" She was reminded by Blanche that these men were not a bunch of gentlemen they were brought up to be living with. Along with Stanley's rudeness to Stella and her sister throughout scene 3, this prompted her to react strongly after the radio was thrown out of the window.

Interestingly, Stanley and his friends who are from the worker class are shown to be unappreciative of the music that Blanche tries to play in this scene. She waltzs and dances to the music freely while the men try their best to continue the game with it on. Blanche seems to be oblivious of the fact that the other men are there, hence displaying her snobbiness. Stanley seems to have a open aversion to the music that is playing on the radio and stands up to switch it off.

I agree with Dion's idea that Blanche seems to be questioning the way of living in New Orleans and doesn't seem to be fitting in much of the conversation.Most of the time in scene 3, she seems to be spectating the conversation between the men and Stella.

However the only character who she can have regular conversation with is Mitch who she thinks is 'superior to the others'. (p52) They talk a great deal and seem to get along well. From this observation we can say that Blanche is much more used to the ways of the Romantic South. Definitely we get the impression that Blanche feels very out of place in New Orleans and does not appreciate the environment as much as the other characters.

I seriously couldn't read everyones, so i don't know who i agree with and who i don't. But i do agree with Jeff above ^. I am really intrigued by the men's primitive and ape like behaviour described "plainly" by Blanche. They way they drink, "because its humid", the way they act, their roughness. While Blanche is cold, always putting clothes on, the men and the women from New Orleans keep taking clothes off. The weather seems to say a lot about the difference between the aristocratic society that Blanche and Stella supposedly belonged to and the 'romantic' south-->or just more real. The romantic south--> i don't like calling it that because to me it sounds like New Orleans is more cut and dry, realistic.
 * Anika-**

Andrea- Honestly, I am confuzzled about how Stanley is materialistic...? I did not get that from (at least the four first) scenes at all. Other than that, I do agree with the theory that Stanley is the "new" dominant America and Blanche the "old" southern America. The fact that Stanley is so dominant and especially the rape incident (incident? you know what i mean) indicates the new ways of society which are ascending. However, arguing against this would be Blanche's promiscuity I believe- it doesn't really feel that old and conservative, which she is supposed to represent...?

__3) A Streetcar Named Desire- A Representation Of The Old And New America (?) __

Useful background information about the time the play is set: - Was written in America short after WW2 - Democracy has been seen to triumph over fascism- dividing the country into two opposing ideological blocs- tension and sense of threat between the two - Fear of communism - Williams himself has argued that Stanley’s rape is a symbol of “the ravishment of the tender, the sensitive, the delicate, by the savage and brutal forces of modern society” (see pink packet page 46) -> the rape can thus be seen as the new society forming in American “raping” the old, taking over and brutally imposing its values on the South- Stella represents the sensitive, non-conformist, Southern America

Arguments for Blanche representing the old, southern America - Represents decadent, old plantation culture rooted in slavery system - Name indicates: French- upper-class- aristocratic - Resembling a moth: fragile, easy to ruin- South lost war to North - Sensitive: represents “anyone who has ever suffered unjustly from a world suddenly gone wrong”- Blanch is us- the audience- pathos- people in the South who lost the was (pink packet page 28) Old money - She doesn’t fit in in New Orleans- out of place - Dismissive and rude to black people around her- not used a mixed race society - Clothes: white, expensive- associated with a “leisured class” (pink packet page 28)

<span style="font-family: Cambria,serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">However…. <span style="font-family: Cambria,serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">- According to the myth, the Old South created a fiction about their society to believe, out of “an urge to regain self- respect” after losing the Civil War to the North (see pick packet page 48) <span style="font-family: Cambria,serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">- It argues that the values of the Old South only was an illusion needed for the Southerners to feel better about themselves <span style="font-family: Cambria,serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">- -> Blanche isn’t really representative of the typical “South”- she doesn’t have old-fashioned values, she has been with many men, drinks too much, lies etc. <span style="font-family: Cambria,serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">- However, the perception of the old South may be an illusion itself, thus emphasizing the fantasy world that Blanche is living in and increasing

<span style="font-family: Cambria,serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Arguments for Stanley representing the new, northern America <span style="font-family: Cambria,serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">- Name indicates: - common man- polish decent- immigrant to USA <span style="font-family: Cambria,serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">- Represents the new America of the immigrants- ruthless, egalitarian, vulgar <span style="font-family: Cambria,serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">- Belongs to ill-mannered social class who were seen as lower in value but celebrates the victory of the common man over the aristocracy (they are the labor- flesh and blood of the country- working class- what keeps the country’s economy going) <span style="font-family: Cambria,serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">- Decay of culture <span style="font-family: Cambria,serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">- Physical over intellect- Uneducated (eg ungrammatical speech) <span style="font-family: Cambria,serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">- Abusive: of Stella (physically and psychologically), and of friends, who stay loyal <span style="font-family: Cambria,serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">- Superior to all other characters, and when threatened by Blanche, he must rape her to regain his power/superiority- North brutal war against the South- winning-dominating

= = =__**<span style="font-family: Cambria,serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;"> PAPER TWO REVISION **__=

Topic: Plot

Plays: A Doll’s House and A Streetcar Named Desire


 * Similarities || Differences || Evidence || Implications ||
 * || ASND has no subplot, whereas Doll’s House has a significant subplot || ADH: Mrs. Linde and Krogstad.

ASND: The minor characters serve only to aid the development of the main plot. || Ibsen makes a social commentary on how men aren’t always reliable even though they say they love you. With Helmer he said that he loved Nora, but when she needed his help he nowhere to be found. Krogstad and Mrs. Linde began separated, but he came to his help when she needed it. Through the contrast you can see how the relationships.

Williams is able to show character development without the subplot. He uses different motifs, imagery, symbolism and minor characters (without a sub-plot)

Can compare and discuss which one is better. ||
 * Both plays feature a relationship that is tested. || In A Doll’s House, the relationship fails, in ASND the relationship survives and goes back to normal ||  ||   ||
 * || ADH the entire play is the climax, Nora taking out the loan led to all the events that occurred. In ASND each scene has a climax. ||  ||   ||
 * Suspense is created through dramatic irony in both plays. || In ADH dramatic irony is created from the withholding of information. In ASND dramatic irony is created by Blanche not being able to face the truth.

In ADH information is revealed from the beginning. In ASND we don’t find out Blanche’s full secret until later in the play.

Which one is more effective? || Helmer doesn’t know anything about the secret loan in ADH. Blanche doesn’t know that the rest of the main characters know about her secret past ASND. || In ASND Blanche’s key flaw is revealed, this eventually leads to her deterioration. In ADH, a key flaw is revealed in the relationship of Nora and Helmer, that she doesn’t feel confident in their trust, this leads to the deterioration of their relationship. ||
 * Each opening scene establishes mood, tone of the play and the relationships between characters. Each also foreshadows a conflict that will soon develop. ||  || Blanche doesn’t belong in the setting.

Nora deceives Helmer during Christmas. ||  ||


 * Streetcar Named Desire and Death of a Salesman - Plot**

- very clear denouements - establish a very strong beginning || - Death has 2 acts, Streetcar has 11 scenes - Death (switches between past and present), Streetcar (each scene is self-contained) || - both have very strong opening directions (you know the setting and the characters from the start) || Evaluation: - non-traditional plot works for streetcar in terms of suspense because it is built up really high until the climax - death plot allows for a lot of reflection, and insert little clips of Willy’s life which are important to the message of the play Meaning of the play: - withholding information reflects that people in society are often not as they seem, so the suspense in the plot supports the theme - Death/Streetcar: sad criticism of american dream || - see above for streetcar and death - dramatic irony successfully creates emotion, however order is disrupted at the end of the play, unlike Streetcar and Death. ||
 * //**Similarities**// || //**Differences**// || //**Evidence**// || //**Implications**// ||
 * - both plays do not stick to the traditional plot model
 * - both plays develop through revelation (information is withheld from the audience until later, creates the suspense) || - unlike to Doll’s House, Streetcar and Death don’t have dramatic irony (the audience knows as little as the actors). Doll’s House has dramatic irony || - Willy’s affair with the woman and Blanche’s past are only revealed a way into the play. || Evaluation:
 * - protagonists are not quite dynamic, but they both end up dissolving (we don’t see them change, but understand who they are and why they do what they do) ||  || - Blanche is put away in a mental asylum, Willy commits suicide ||   ||