A Streetcar named Desire Tennessee Williams Scene One: Themes Ian Yule

Scene One: Themes 1. Blanche’s craving for drink (alcoholism) It is not unnoticed by Stella or Stanley “liquor goes fast in hot weather” (Stanley) Stressed by her repetitive drinking – the audience picks this up through Blanche’s actions

Scene One: Themes Social distinctions (differences) Blanche is offhand to Eunice She criticises Stella’s neighbourhood “I thought you’d never come back to this horrible place” She does not approve of Stanley “Where – where – where is -?” Where were you? In bed with your – Polack!”

Scene One: Themes Two themes are introduced by the stage directions: “the blue piano – expresses the spirit of life which goes on there” (theme of life) “the polka” music which is introduced on the mention of “the boy” to whom Blanche was once married, who is now dead (theme of death)

Scene One: Themes Blanche’s obsession with death “All of those deaths!” “Death is expensive”

Scene One: Themes Blanche’s vanity and her need for flattery She is afraid of growing old and losing her looks “Don’t you look at me, Stella, no, no, no, not till later, not till I’ve bathed and rested! And turn that overlight off! Turn that off!”