Social Class

• What is the focal theme of the play?

  Social class tensions and conflicts
• How does Blanche's background affect her in the play?

  It leads to her ostracization from society
• What does the American Dream represent in the play?

  Freedom, independence, and equality of opportunity
• Who embodies the American Dream in the play?

  Stanley Kowalski
• What does Stanley's detestation for Blanche signify?

  His rejection of stagnant, materialistic society
• How can the play be interpreted in terms of cultural clash?

  As a conflict between Old South and New South
• What biographical elements influence Tennessee Williams' writing?

  • Similarities between his mother and Blanche
  • Family dynamics resembling the Kowalski household
  • Socio-economic effects of the Civil War
  • Themes of immorality and self-destruction
• What literary tradition does A Streetcar Named Desire echo?

  Southern Gothic tradition
• What characterizes Southern Gothic plots?

  Dark, illogical, and transgressive characters
• When was A Streetcar Named Desire published?

  1947
• What themes does A Streetcar Named Desire address?

  Social class tensions, female sexuality, and male domination
• How does Williams portray the Old South in the play?

  As morally decayed and rigidly hierarchical
• What does Belle Reve symbolize in the play?

  The Old South's values and traditions
• How is Stanley characterized in the play?

  As a working-class character embodying New South values
• What does Stanley's declaration of being "one hundred percent American" signify?

  His connection to the new American society
• How does Blanche view Stanley in their social context?

  As an outsider in his own marriage
• What cultural aspect does New Orleans represent in the play?

  A melting pot emphasizing Blanche's outsider status
• What does the opening scene of New Orleans illustrate?

  The casual intermingling of races and classes
• How does Blanche react to the social dynamics in Elysian Fields?

  She experiences culture shock and feels out of place
• What role does Elysian Fields play in Blanche's downfall?

  It symbolizes her psychological disintegration
• What does Elysian Fields represent for Stanley?

  A sanctuary for his desires and masculinity
• How does Blanche's identity as a Southern Belle affect her actions?

  She exploits her privilege to manipulate others
• What is Blanche's attitude towards Stanley's social class?

  She looks down on him due to his background
• What does Blanche's comparison of Shep Huntleigh to Stanley reveal?

  Her longing for an upper-class lifestyle
• How does Williams depict the theme of gender in the play?

  Through the power dynamics between Blanche and Stanley
• What societal boundaries are explored in the play?

  Education, sexuality, and intellect of women
• How does Stanley's animality serve him in the play?

  It reflects his fear of losing control
• What does Blanche's attempt to manipulate Stanley reveal?

  Her struggle against societal norms
• What is the significance of Scene Four in the play?

  It exposes Blanche's feelings about Stanley's class
• How does Blanche's view of marriage differ from Stella's?

  Blanche sees it as a trap, Stella does not
• What does Stanley's brutish animality represent in the play?

  His coping mechanism for fear of loss
• How does Blanche try to help Stella after the abuse?

  By suggesting she can leave her marriage
• What does Stella's assertion about her marriage reveal?

  Her lack of desire to escape it
• How does Blanche compare Shep Huntleigh to Stanley?

  By contrasting their social classes
• What does Blanche's view on money indicate?

  She equates worth with socioeconomic status
• What does Blanche say about living with Stanley?

  It requires going to bed with him
• How does Stella respond to Blanche's superior attitude?

  She questions its appropriateness
• What does Blanche's comment about Stanley reveal?

  Her disdain for his social class
• How does Blanche describe Stanley's qualities?

  As "bestial" and "sub-human"
• What is the central tension in the play?

  The conflict between class values