Close Analysis Streetcar Sc3 YR 13 Close Analysis Streetcar Sc3

Expressionist style had a significant impact on American drama of the 1920s and 1930s, and its influence can be found in the work of such figures as Eugene O'Neill (The Emperor Jones, 1920; The Hairy Ape, 1922; The Great God Brown, 1926), Sophie Treadwell (Machinal, 1928), Elmer Rice (The Adding Machine, 1923), and Thornton Wilder (Our Town, 1938).1

"To express his universal truths Williams created what he termed plastic theater, a distinctive new style of drama. He insisted that setting, properties, music, sound, and visual effects—all the elements of staging—must combine to reflect and enhance the action, theme, characters, and language." (Alice Griffin) at http://www.tennesseewilliamsstudies.org/archives/2002/3kramer_print.htm

The male/female world Division of male and female world Poker game Relationships Stage directions and significance of visual elements Male relationships and hierarchy Cause and effect: drunkenness, hysteria, animosity/jealousy

Focus: Blanche A complex and contradictory character Vain, foolish and needy Can we sympathize with her? Cultural gap ‘I need kindness now’

How does Tennessee Williams develop the contrast between Stanley and Mitch in this scene?

Coarse, direct, powerful Wants to play cards Superior to others  Draw up a table to show how Williams develops the contrast between Mitch and Stanley. Mitch Common features Stanley Worried about mother Coarse, direct, powerful Wants to play cards Superior to others Peak of manhood Orders people about Alone Work at same plant Married “Gallant” “Animal thing”