ASND
General unlinked comment, Nicola Onyett says that “Blanche has become a social outcast because she
refuses to conform to conventional moral values.
Character of Mitch, Uncertain world, tension between past and present, family bonds, stage
directions, marriage, plays opening, tragedy, masculinity, character's inner lives, confrontation,
different points of view, rise of a new social order,
Tragedy (fall of the protagonist, Blanche)
Social class
Intro:
ASND was published in a post-war society with increasing awareness about the issue of social class,
perhaps this explains the success of the play which chose to address such topics in a time when America
could be categorized as a divided nation. Williams intertwines the theme of social class with conflict in a
streetcar named desire. Firstly, he creates a physical conflict between Elysian Fields (embodied by
Stanley) and the Southern Belle (Blanche) to highlight the rise of a new social order in the country.
Secondly, social class is responsible to some extent for the psychological conflict caused between
Blanche and Stella- Blanche believes she can utilize Shep Huntleigh's social status to liberate Stella,
however the latter insists on maintaining her relationship with Stanley, thus demonstrating that not only
is the patriarchy capable of allowing women social mobility, but it is also responsible for its restriction.
1) Southern Belle vs Elysian fields
Contrast of Blanche who is the epitome of the Southern Belle, vs Stanleys who is the epitome of Elysian
Fields
Conflict seen through contrast in the somewhat expressionist costumes which reinforce the sense of
counterpoint in the play
Blanche, “white suit” “earrings of pearl”
She is already delusional in her expectations of New Orleans
Colour symbolism shows her as a symbol of fragility.
Int. of the latter could suggest it reflects the declining position of the Southern Belle in society.
Suit is more masculine, attempting to put on a facade but her earrings give it away, also pearl
indicates wealth, still trying to maintain southern belle
This contrasts with Stanley “roughly dressed” which would suggest that he is inferior but:
through a lens of Marxist criticism which is built on the belief that anyone can overcome their
socioeconomic status, seen through Stanley who successfully establishes dominance.
, Stanley, leaves Blanche’s “inert figure”
Kinesthetic image created by the explicit stage directions allows for her direct characterization
as the victim and Stanley as the clear victor
Nietzschean interpretation would look at how Blanche and Stanley cause destruction when they
act as two extremes: Stanley’s primitive instincts lead to this, but current audience can
questions the extent of condemnation he would face by the contemporary audience- almost
accepted? People want the decline of the old south
Blanche’s treatment links to Williams’ mother who was also categorized as a Southern Belle who
faced abuse at the hands of her husband.
Perhaps idea that this idea of a New America is happening too fast and has negative affects
For women, social class doesn't matter, a man is always above them in the social hierarchy.
This establishes him as the Hades of Elysian Fields if it is to be viewed as the Underworld- idea
that William’s paints the stage as a territory for Stanley
Overall, although the lower-class Stanley’s victory highlights the changing social dynamic of the
American society, ultimately it shows that when men and women are concerned, class doesn't matter as
men will always have an upper hand.
2) Social class causes a psychological conflict between Stella and Blanche
Her solution to Stella’s broken marriage is the wealthy Shep Huntleigh, “I think in money in terms of
what it does for you. But he could do it, he certainly could do it”
Williams uses her dialogue to portray her as somewhat delusional about the real world,
automatically suggests that this delusion will cause conflict with Stella who is more aligned with
the real world according to an analysis of her superego
Her assessment of an individual directly corresponds to their socioeconomic status.
Psychoanalytic lens of her character suggests that this desire to climb the social ladder is more
about self-validation.
Alt feminist int. Repetition of “he could do it” suggests dependency on men for women's
economic status, again links to the idea that every woman somehow surrenders to the
patriarchy.
However, Stella asserts that “I couldn't go on living with him”, Eunice who is also in an abusive
relationship parallels her through her naturalistic speech, “Life has to go on, no matter what happens,
you’ve got to keep on going”
Blanche looking for a way out, Stella just submits herself, paints them as foils
Lack of women’s social mobility, particularly in the setting of New Orleans
Thomas Adler points out that Stellas friend circle consists of battered housewives much like
herself, Williams’ may use Eunice as an example of this
Shows how such women have adopted a similar mindset of dealing with their abusive husbands
