1. Close Analysis Streetcar Sc3
YR 13
Close Analysis
Streetcar Sc3

3. 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

4. "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

5. 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

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

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

9. 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”