‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Tennessee
Williams
___
Context:
Biographical context
● Tennessee Williams was a Southern American writer.
● He faced numerous struggles throughout his personal
life (e.g. depression, sister’s mental illness, poor
relationship with parents,alcohol & drug addiction).
● Williams was inspired by the American poet Hart Crane,
as well as his own personal life.
● Crane’s idea of art as an alternate way of life influenced
WIlliams writing, and Crane played a critical role in
shaping his literary perspective.
● Williams and Crane both rebelled against their fathers,
and were homosexual.
● Rose Williams ( sister) shaped Blanche’s character as she influenced the portrayal
of mental illness in the character.
● William's mother was a typical Southern Belle, and his maternal grandfather was a
priest.
● Williams' father was a travelling salesman who is reported to have been abusive
and an alcoholic.
● William's father disapproved of his ‘weakness’ and sensitivity as a child.
Geographical context
● American South: Catastrophic economic downfall due to its loss of the American
Civil War and the emancipation of slaves.The rise of the New south began to occur.
● By the 1940s, America had become more industrialised.
● Wealthy, influential Southern families could not compete with the New South and
industrialization.
Williams
___
Context:
Biographical context
● Tennessee Williams was a Southern American writer.
● He faced numerous struggles throughout his personal
life (e.g. depression, sister’s mental illness, poor
relationship with parents,alcohol & drug addiction).
● Williams was inspired by the American poet Hart Crane,
as well as his own personal life.
● Crane’s idea of art as an alternate way of life influenced
WIlliams writing, and Crane played a critical role in
shaping his literary perspective.
● Williams and Crane both rebelled against their fathers,
and were homosexual.
● Rose Williams ( sister) shaped Blanche’s character as she influenced the portrayal
of mental illness in the character.
● William's mother was a typical Southern Belle, and his maternal grandfather was a
priest.
● Williams' father was a travelling salesman who is reported to have been abusive
and an alcoholic.
● William's father disapproved of his ‘weakness’ and sensitivity as a child.
Geographical context
● American South: Catastrophic economic downfall due to its loss of the American
Civil War and the emancipation of slaves.The rise of the New south began to occur.
● By the 1940s, America had become more industrialised.
● Wealthy, influential Southern families could not compete with the New South and
industrialization.
