A Streetcar named Desire was written in 1947 and was probably one of Tennessee Williams′ most successful plays. In all of his plays, he makes explicit use of symbols as a dramatic technique. He once said that symbolism is, "say(ing) a thing more directly and simply and beautifully than it could be said in words…sometimes it would take page after tedious page of exposition to put across and idea that can be said with an object or a gesture on the lighted page" (Jackson 26).
In this paper, some of the symbols used by Tennessee Williams shall be discussed. Since he makes excessive use of symbolism only the major ones shall be dealt with, but it shall be added that the distinction between major or minor importance lies in the perception of the author of this paper. The order of the symbols in this paper is not identical with the order of appearance in the play.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Symbolism
3. The names’ symbolic meaning
3.1. Blanche DuBois
3.2. Stella
3.3. Belle Reve
3.4. Desire, Cemeteries and Elysian Fields
4. The light as a symbol for truth and reality
4.1. Blanche’s aversion of light
4.2. Stanley’s affection for light
5. The use of color symbolism
5.1. Blanche’s symbolic colours
5.2. Stanley and his friends
6. Music as a symbol for emotions
6.1. The blue piano
6.2. The Varsouviana Polka
7. Animalistic images
7.1. Blanche’s connection to the moth
7.2. Stanley and his wild image
8. Conclusion
9. Works Cited
Research Objectives and Topics
This academic paper examines the extensive use of symbolic devices in Tennessee Williams' play "A Streetcar named Desire" to understand how they shape atmosphere and character development. The work focuses on identifying how specific objects, names, music, and imagery function as dramatic techniques to mirror the psychological states and underlying conflicts of the protagonists.
- Symbolism in literature and its specific application in Williams' dramatic works.
- Etymological and symbolic analysis of the characters' names: Blanche, Stella, and Belle Reve.
- The dichotomy of light and darkness as a reflection of truth, reality, and deception.
- Color symbolism and its role in distinguishing the nature of the main characters.
- The function of music and animalistic imagery as indicators of emotional distress and brutal reality.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1. Blanche DuBois
Blanche DuBois is the main character of the play and also the most thoroughly described one. The name Blanche is French and means white or fair (Langenscheidt 80). Her last name DuBois is of French origin as well and translates as made of wood (Langenscheidt 82). Regarding the subscriptio of her first name a clear connection to her character becomes quite obvious. Since the colour white stands for purity, innocence and virtue, the subscriptio of Blanche‘s name reveals these qualities, which stand in contrast to her actual character traits.
The name suggests that Blanche is a very innocent, and pure person, but throughout the play it becomes obvious that Blanche cannot call any of these traits her own. Only the illusory image, which she tries to create for herself, suggests these traits, but her true nature is not like that at all. She constantly tries to hide her embarrassing past from all of her new acquaintances, because she fears that they might not accept her anymore. In order to maintain her apparent social status among her new neighbours and friends, she builds this intertwined net of lies which creates a false image of herself. She, herself, believes in this imaginary world, and as soon as there is the slightest sign of its destruction, she seems to be lost, and her nervous condition worsens. Therefore all she cares about is to keep that image alive. Her first name is therefore quite ironic since it means the exact opposite of Blanche’s true nature and character.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the central premise of the study, noting that Tennessee Williams utilizes symbolism as a primary dramatic technique in "A Streetcar named Desire."
2. Symbolism: Defines the literary function of symbols as visual complexes that provide deeper layers of meaning beyond objective reality.
3. The names’ symbolic meaning: Analyzes how the names of Blanche, Stella, and Belle Reve function as indicators of the characters' true natures, illusions, and origins.
4. The light as a symbol for truth and reality: Explores the stark contrast between Blanche’s avoidance of light and Stanley’s reliance on it to expose the truth.
5. The use of color symbolism: Examines how specific colors, such as white and red, are used to highlight Blanche's shifting identity and emotional state, while blue signifies Stanley’s masculinity.
6. Music as a symbol for emotions: Discusses the recurring musical motifs of the "blue piano" and the "Varsouviana Polka" as manifestations of Blanche’s loneliness and past trauma.
7. Animalistic images: Investigates the comparison of Blanche to a moth and Stanley to an ape to emphasize their conflicting behaviors and fates.
8. Conclusion: Summarizes that symbols are essential tools for intensifying the drama and providing psychological depth to the play's characters.
9. Works Cited: Lists the primary and secondary literary sources used for this analysis.
Keywords
Tennessee Williams, A Streetcar named Desire, Symbolism, Blanche DuBois, Stanley Kowalski, Dramatic Technique, Light, Color Symbolism, Music, Varsouviana Polka, Animalistic Imagery, Illusion, Reality, Literary Analysis, Characterization
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper provides a detailed literary analysis of the symbolic devices employed by Tennessee Williams in his 1947 play "A Streetcar named Desire."
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key areas include the symbolic weight of names, the contrast between light and darkness, color usage, auditory symbols (music), and animal metaphors.
What is the author's primary research objective?
The objective is to demonstrate how Williams uses symbols not just for decoration, but as a deliberate technique to reveal the internal psychological states and fundamental conflicts of the main characters.
Which scientific or analytical method is applied?
The author uses a qualitative literary analysis approach, drawing upon reference works on symbols and literary theory to interpret the text.
What content is addressed in the main chapters?
The main chapters systematically break down specific types of symbols, such as the dichotomy between Blanche and Stanley regarding light, the significance of clothing colors, and the atmospheric impact of recurring music.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Prominent keywords include symbolism, dramatic technique, illusion, reality, Blanche DuBois, and Stanley Kowalski.
How is Blanche’s name interpreted symbolically?
The name "Blanche DuBois" is interpreted as an ironic construction; "Blanche" (white) suggests purity, while "DuBois" (wood) hints at her hard, calculated nature and dark past, creating a fundamental ambiguity.
What is the significance of the "blue piano" and the "Varsouviana Polka"?
These musical motifs represent different emotional states: the "blue piano" reflects Blanche's loneliness and hope, while the "Varsouviana Polka" serves as an auditory trigger for her memories of suicide and impending disaster.
- Quote paper
- Kerstin Müller (Author), 2001, Symbolic devices in A Streetcar named Desire, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/8331
