Streetcar - Symbols

• Williams called the streetcar the 'ideal metaphor for the human condition'
• The Streetcar is a real streetcar in New Orleans but also symbolises the power of desire as the driving force behind character's actions.
• "They told me to take a streetcar named Desire, and transfer to one called cemeteries and ride six blocks and get off at Elysian fields" - literal and allegorical journey for Blanche.
• Blanche associates the Varsouviana Polka with her husbands suicide, they were dancing the polka before he shot himself. Polka as a motif throughout the play when Blanche is disturbed about the past.
• "The rapid, feverish polka tune [....] the music is in her mind, she is drinking to escape it"
• Blanche takes frequent baths to "soothe her nerves" an attempt to cleanse herself and forget reality.
• Through bathing, Blanche seeks rejuvenation - making herself look younger. This is a temporary respite, she never escapes her past "A hot bath and a long, cold drink always give me a new outlook on life"
• The Paper Lantern over the light bulb represents Blanche's attempt to mask her sordid past and present appearance. Diffuses stark light but only a temporary solution - represents fragility.
• "Put a paper lantern over the light [...]you've got to be soft and attractive"


  Creates an illusion, soft glow from light - Blanche uses to get help from others.
• "I can't stand a naked light bulb, any more than I can a rude remark or vulgar action"


  Parallel between discomfort in light and sensitivity to Stanley's brutishness, shows her fragility, visually exposed link to be being emotionally exposed.
• Whilst Stanley tells Stella about Blanche's sordid history, Blanche sings the song "Paper Moon' about a paper world that becomes a reality through love - ironic.