An in-depth analysis of key moments, events and quotes from all characters within Streetcar Named Desire Scene 1. This is perfect for revision and to have all analysis in one place. I got an A* in IGCSE English Literature, scoring better than 94% of all candidates.
The setting of the play
(New Orleans) as a diverse,
metropolitan urban
landscape. The theme of
beauty and decay shines
through as “weathered grey”
and “faded white stairs”
speaks a “kind of lyricism”
Opening Stage the that “attenuates the
Diversity The South
Directions narrator atmosphere of decay”.
The opening Stage
directions acts to set the
Bohemian scene for the rest
of the play. It portrays New
Orleans as old however,
holds many traditions and
cultures that are worth more
than anything else.
“Meat” Stanley Love and Romance This speaks to the typical
stereotypes of women in
Primitive vs civilised life
society back then (as the
chefs of the house), along
with introducing the sexual
tensions between Stella and
Stanley (Stanley is “throwing
his meat” at Stella).
This is our first impressions
of Stanley - someone who is
hard working and cares
passionately about his wife.
This portrays Stanley as a
hero and proud American
man; therefore, later in the
play when Stanley’s acts of
scene 1 1
, who
Quote theme Analysis
said it
cruelty towards Blanche is
displayed, the audience’s
interpretation of Stanley is
changed from a hero to a
monster - displaying the
themes of deceit and
chance.
“They told me Blanche Desire and destruction Williams here talks through
to take a Blanche’s journey of life.
The past
streetcar It walks through Blanche’s
named Desire, struggles and losses as a
and then part of her desire to love has
transfer to one led to her heartbreak (her
called trust and love in her late
Cemeteries husband that made her
and ride six naive and innocent -
blocks and get ultimately hurting her in the
at - Elysian end). This desire lead to her
Fields!” own pain and downfall as
the consequences of her
behaviour (being disgusted
by her husband that he
killed himself).
The death of her dreams
and desires was long lasting
- as they went for six
blocks. This juxtaposes the
innocent and pure character
that the audience was first
introduced to: an
Antebellum fragile damsel in
distress that dressed in
white - suggesting that
Blanche is not who the
audience thinks she is and
that her character is more
complex and layered than
what she is perceived as.
She then arrives at Elysian
Fields, meaning a place like
paradise - demonstrating
scene 1 2
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