Streetcar Terminology

• What is stichomythia?


  The back and forth dialogue between characters
• What is aposiopesis?

  A stop in dialogue from an unwillingness or inability to continue
• How is stichomythia used in Streetcar?


  To create tension
• What is epizeuxis?


  Repetition with no words in between
• What is meant by poetic realism?

  A romantic approach to normality
• What is meant by vernacular?


  Language used by the common man to provide extra information about the character
• What is pragmatographia?

  Verbal scene painting
• What is anagnorisis?


  The moment of realisation by the tragic protagonist
• What is diacope?


  Repetition with words in between
• What is divergence?


  Speaking differently to create a gap between characters
• What is convergence?


  Speaking similarly to create a connection between characters
• What is a minor sentence?


  A sentence with no main verb
• What is symbolism?

  Using smaller thing to represent a bigger concept
• Examples of motifs through the play:

  • Paper

  • Light

  • Clothing and colour

  • Bathing and purification

  • Death

  • Alcohol
• What is the difference between diegetic and non-diegetic sound?

  Diegetic sound can be heard by the characters, non-diegetic sound is only heard by the audience
• What is meant by microcosm?

  A small-scale representation of something larger
• What is plastic theatre?

  Using props and costumes to reflect emotions and key symbolism
• What is a hamartia?

  Tragic, fatal flaw
• What is hubris?

  Excessive pride
• What is a dramatic construct?

  Anything which contributes to tension and story (e.g. characters, scene length, events)
• What is the difference between domestic and classical tragedy?

  Domestic - Low impact on community

  Classical - High impact on community
• What is the Southern Gothic?

  • Set in the deep South

  • Mental health, isolation and intense emotion

  • Innocence surrounded by corruption and decay