1. Introduction
For this term paper I analyse scene nine of Tennessee William's play A Streetcar Named Desire. The episodic drama was written in 1947 and is set in New Orleans. It is divided into eleven different scenes. The main characters of the play are Blanche DuBois, her sister Stella and her husband Stanley Kowalski. In a supporting part appears Mitch. Blanche is a thirty year old woman from Mississippi. At the beginning of the play she comes to visit her younger sister Stella in New Orleans, because she does not know where else to go. All of her family are dead except Stella. Blanche is helpless and seeks protection, because she has lost her home “Belle Reve”, her inheritance and her employment. Stella and Stan are living in a small apartment in the French Quarter of New Orleans called “Elysian Fields”. Blanche has to take the streetcars called “Desire” and “Cemeteries”. Here the strong symbolism of Williams' writing can already be seen clearly. The names of the streetcars foreshadow the course of the play and its outcome and in general show Blanche's journey in the play, from longing and desire to destruction.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Scene Nine
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes Scene Nine of Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire," exploring Blanche DuBois's character and the dramatic events unfolding in this pivotal scene. The analysis focuses on the symbolism employed by Williams and the impact of the scene on the play's overall trajectory.
- Symbolism in "A Streetcar Named Desire"
- Blanche DuBois's psychological state and fragility
- The contrast between illusion and reality
- The role of light and darkness in the play
- The disintegration of Blanche's carefully constructed persona
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter provides background information on Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire," setting the stage for the detailed analysis of Scene Nine. It introduces the main characters—Blanche DuBois, Stella Kowalski, and Stanley Kowalski—and briefly outlines the play's setting and central conflict. The chapter highlights Blanche's precarious circumstances, her displacement from her former life, and the symbolism inherent in the names of the streetcars she takes ("Desire" and "Cemeteries"), foreshadowing her journey towards destruction. The chapter also introduces Blanche's character, emphasizing her attempts to maintain an image of refined gentility as a means of escaping harsh realities, and contrasting her with Stanley's realism and brutal honesty. The introduction hints at the impending conflict between Blanche and Stanley, establishing the tense atmosphere that pervades the play.
2. Scene Nine: This chapter delves into a detailed analysis of Scene Nine, focusing on the confrontation between Blanche and Mitch. The scene opens with Blanche in a state of emotional distress, signaled by the recurring "Varsouviana" polka tune, a musical motif linked to her tragic past. Mitch's arrival, initially hopeful, turns into a devastating revelation as he confronts Blanche with the truth about her past, shattering her carefully constructed illusions. The scene masterfully uses symbolism—the Chinese paper lantern representing Blanche's fragile world of illusion, and the harsh light revealing her deception—to highlight the disintegration of her persona. Mitch's transformation from a sensitive gentleman to a figure resembling Stanley's roughness foreshadows the impending disaster. Blanche's desperate attempts to maintain her facade, her addiction to alcohol, and her final breakdown are explored, showcasing her vulnerability and the ultimate failure of her self-deception. The appearance of the Mexican woman selling flowers for the dead further emphasizes the tragic direction of the scene.
Keywords
A Streetcar Named Desire, Scene Nine, Blanche DuBois, illusion vs. reality, symbolism, Varsouviana polka, Chinese paper lantern, alcoholism, Southern belle, masculinity vs. femininity, deception, destruction.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Streetcar Named Desire - Scene Nine Analysis
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an academic paper analyzing Scene Nine of Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire." It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis of Scene Nine?
The analysis focuses on several key themes, including the symbolism employed by Williams, Blanche DuBois's psychological state and fragility, the contrast between illusion and reality, the role of light and darkness, and the disintegration of Blanche's carefully constructed persona. The confrontation between Blanche and Mitch and the shattering of her illusions are central to the analysis.
What is covered in the introduction chapter?
The introduction provides background information on "A Streetcar Named Desire," introduces the main characters (Blanche, Stella, and Stanley), outlines the play's setting and central conflict, highlights Blanche's precarious circumstances, and foreshadows the conflict between Blanche and Stanley. It also emphasizes Blanche's attempts to maintain an image of refined gentility and contrasts her with Stanley's realism.
What does the analysis of Scene Nine cover?
The analysis of Scene Nine delves into the confrontation between Blanche and Mitch. It explores Blanche's emotional distress, the revelation of her past, and the symbolism used in the scene (e.g., the Chinese paper lantern, harsh light). The analysis also examines Mitch's transformation, Blanche's attempts to maintain her facade, her alcoholism, and her ultimate breakdown. The appearance of the flower seller is also discussed.
What are the key symbols discussed in the analysis?
Key symbols analyzed include the "Varsouviana" polka tune, the Chinese paper lantern representing Blanche's fragile world of illusion, and the harsh light revealing her deception. The contrast between light and darkness also plays a significant symbolic role.
What keywords are associated with this analysis?
Keywords include: A Streetcar Named Desire, Scene Nine, Blanche DuBois, illusion vs. reality, symbolism, Varsouviana polka, Chinese paper lantern, alcoholism, Southern belle, masculinity vs. femininity, deception, and destruction.
What is the overall focus of the analysis?
The overall focus is on a detailed analysis of Scene Nine, exploring its dramatic impact on the play's overall trajectory and Blanche DuBois's character development through the lens of symbolism and dramatic irony.
Who are the main characters discussed?
The main characters discussed are Blanche DuBois, Stella Kowalski, and Stanley Kowalski.
- Citar trabajo
- Marie-Christine Wittmann (Autor), 2006, 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams, Scene Nine - An Analysis, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/146854
