Exam (elaborations)
A Level English Lit Edexcel- Streetcar essay
- Module
- Unit 1 - Drama
- Institution
- PEARSON (PEARSON)
Explore the significance of unseen characters in A Streetcar Named Desire. Scored 20/25.
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Explore the significance of unseen characters in A Streetcar Named Desire. You must relateyour discussion to relevant contextual factors.
Unseen characters are vital to the plot of A Streetcar Named Desire. When introduced to
Blanche’s character, the audience quickly learn much complex history forms her background
and contributes to the way her character is. Unseen characters act as symbols of Blanche’s
fantasy world delusions that separate her from reality. The significant overwhelming guilt
that causes Blanche’s mental fragility is presented through discussions of never-seen Allan
Grey. Unseen characters are also dramatically used by Williams to create tension within the
play between Stanley and Blanche.
Unseen characters are significant in Williams’ portrayal of Blanche’s delusions. This is
illustrated through Williams’ utilisation of Shep Huntleigh. When conflict grows between
Blanche and Stanley, with Stella in the middle, Blanche boldly claims to be in contact with a
wealthy saviour. Shep is described as “an old admirer” by Blanche, insinuating a deep,
unfinished relationship that will provide her with a seamless, secure way out of the Kowalski
household that ensures her status is kept. However, to Stanley, he is given little regard and
labelled a “Miami Millionaire.” Stanley straightaway expresses doubts over the existence of
Shep, which Williams shows through the aposiopesis in their scene 10 dialogue by writing,
“Just when I thought my luck had begun to fail me-/ Into the picture pops this Miami
Millionaire.” The aposiopesis in dialogue creates a mocking tone in Stanley’s words that
plants doubt in the minds of the audience. Blanche has already proved to be invested in her
own world throughout the play and examples of her lies include her reason for coming to
Belle Reve, so Stanley’s hesitancy forges the impression that Shep’s existence is not real, and
that he is not coming for Blanche. Williams also uses the onomatopoeic verb “pop” to
demonstrate the suddenness of Shep’s mention, further casting doubt on her story with the
monosyllabic, plosive word that holds harsh lingual connotations. From Stanley’s reaction
further in the scene where he questions, “This man is from Dallas?” using anadiplosis to
subtly show his doubts by forcing her to reaffirm her tale or give the opportunity for
confession. As the audience, we gain the impression that Shep is another part of Blanche’s
elaborate fantasy and does not truly exist, especially as he is never confirmed to be real.
Blanche’s delusion around being saved by the rich, handsome Shep can be seen as a
desperate last attempt to hold onto her upper-class status and the societal privileges it
brings. Contextually, Blanche is a strong example of the Southern Belle, a dying archetype in
the New South. Access to millionaire money would not only enhance her smeared
reputation, but allow her to continue the lifestyle she wants, which is why never-seen Shep
Huntleigh exists to significantly enrich Williams’ portrayal of Blanche’s delusion.
Williams also illustrates the importance of unseen characters to exploring Blanche’s mental
fragility, brought on by guilt. Allan was Blanche’s husband, who died of suicide before the
play’s beginning, and serves to haunt Blanche throughout. When talking with Mitch, Blanche
opens up about his death, stating, “all I knew was I failed him in some mysterious way and
wasn’t able to give the help he needed but couldn’t speak of! He was in the quicksands and
clutching at me…”. Williams uses an exclamative to emphasise Blanche’s evident distress at
the memory, showing that even far into the future it still weighs heavily on her mind and
upsets her to think she played a role in his death. She takes accountability for her lack of
action, using the metaphor quicksand to invoke the idea that Alan had been slowly sinking
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