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A Streetcar named desire

A Streetcar named desire. Tennessee Williams. The author. Born Lanier Williams Delicate child who had several diseases, father called him “Mr. ” Moved from nice home to a tenement building when he was 12 and then moved times in years

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A Streetcar named desire

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  1. A Streetcar named desire Tennessee Williams

  2. The author • Born Lanier Williams • Delicate child who had several diseases, father called him “Mr. ” • Moved from nice home to a tenement building when he was 12 and then moved times in years • - Cornelius Williams was a shoe salesmen that was an absent and emotionally abusive father • - Edwina was a loving but smothering woman. She was the daughter of an Episcopal minister and lived the life of a Southern belle

  3. Rose, Williams’ older sister, was emotionally and mentally unstable and was later institutionalized and lobotomized. She was an inspiration for much of his work. • Williams struggled throughout his life with , • and his (which he later embraced) • In 1963, his longtime partner, Frank Merlo, died of , catapulting Williams into depression and drug use • Tennessee Williams to death on the lid of a medicine bottle in 1983

  4. New Orleans The setting

  5. The french quarter – post WWII • Multicultural • Mix of the and the (old French architecture, new Jazz) • Charming and bustling, yet in the midst of poverty and decay • Clash of the - the facade of upper class refinement & Old Chivalry meets the growing lower class blue collar worker

  6. Stanley kowalski • years old • Strong & good-looking • Polish • Fought in WWII • Auto parts salesman • Enjoys women, drinking, and games • Perhaps a “”

  7. The dubois sisters Blanche – “white” Stella – “star” 25 years old Stanley’s wife Left home in Mississippi for New Orleans Passionate about her • Approx. 30 years old • Former high school English teacher • Concerned about social status (comes from wealthy plantation owners) • Physically & mentally weak • Frequent need for bathing and alcohol • Hates

  8. Important names • Streetcar named “” – Blanche’s earlier life • Streetcar named “” – Blanche’s downfall • Elysian Fields – place of death; final resting place of souls of • Belle Reve – beautiful

  9. Be on the lookout for symbols themes Illusion vs. Reality Aging, Sex/Desire, and Death The Power of Brute Masculinity Social Class The Fall of the Old South • Bathing – cleansing and purifying • Alcohol/drunkenness – leads to destruction • Light – the harsh glare of reality vs. the safety of the dark • Music

  10. Essential questions • Is it more advantageous for a person to create an illusion to deal with conflict or to confront reality? • What are the consequences of pursuing desire? • Is deliberate cruelty the only unforgiveable crime? • How far should people go to show loyalty to people they love?

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