This paper deals with the symbolism in A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. In this context, I will take a closer look at the different forms of symbolism. One major part of this paper is the meaning of the different characters in the play. Blanche, Stella and Stanley are the most important characters. Therefore I will analyze their symbolic function regarding to their character in general, their names and colors. Not only the characters carry a symbolic meaning, but also the different places mentioned in the play. The city of New Orleans is the larger setting of the action. I will analyze the meaning of the Elysian Fields, of Belle Reve and of New Orleans in general.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
2.1 The play
2.2 The playwright
3. The symbolic meaning of the protagonists
3.1 Blanche
3.1.1 Blanche DuBois: innocent and solid?
3.1.2 The color white in connection to Blanche
a. Stella
3.1.3 Stella for star
b. Stanley
3.3.1 Green and blue: strength and masculine power?
4. New Orleans: The setting as a symbol?
4.1 New Orleans culture and meaning in American history
4.2 Elysian Fields
4.3 Belle Reve
4.4 The journey to the Elysian Fields
5. Conclusion
Research Objective and Core Themes
This paper examines the diverse forms of symbolism utilized by Tennessee Williams in his play "A Streetcar Named Desire," focusing specifically on how names, character traits, colors, and settings serve to deepen the narrative and underscore the atmosphere. The primary objective is to analyze the symbolic functions of central characters—Blanche, Stella, and Stanley—and significant locations to reveal hidden dimensions of their personalities and the overarching social conflicts in the work.
- Analysis of character names and their ironic or literal symbolic associations.
- Examination of color symbolism, particularly white and blue, as representations of character traits.
- Interpretation of the New Orleans setting and specific locations like the Elysian Fields and Belle Reve.
- The metaphorical significance of Blanche's journey and her descent from illusion to reality.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.1 Blanche DuBois: innocent and solid?
The name Blanche DuBois is of French origin and is the combination of two opposites. Her first name Blanche refers to white, pure, innocent and clear. Her last name Dubois means solid or wooden.
The symbolic meaning of the color white stands for purity, innocence and virtue, a complete contrast to Blanche’s real character. The name suggests that Blanche is a very innocent and pure person, but throughout the play it becomes more and more obvious that Blanche cannot call any of these traits her own.
Her first name is therefore quite ironic since it means the exact opposite of Blanche’s true nature and character.
Her last name, however, stands in contrast to her first name, regarding the meaning on the suggests something solid and hard, which is the exact opposite of her fragile nature and nervous condition.
Blanche used to lead a rather excessive lifestyle. She had sex with random strangers and was known throughout her hometown Laurel for that. This kind of life is the complete contrast to the meaning of her name. Blanche is not pure or innocent at all, she just wants to appear like this pure or innocent lady. In the case of Blanche, Williams used the symbolic meaning of the color white to underline Blanche’s character in an ironic way. The function of her excessive bathing and cleansing can also be seen in the same context. She wants to appear clean and pure and tries to hide her dark secrets behind this light and pure image.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter outlines the focus of the paper on symbolism in Tennessee Williams' play, introducing the key characters and locations to be analyzed.
2. A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams: This section provides historical context regarding the play’s writing and reception, as well as a brief biography of the playwright.
3. The symbolic meaning of the protagonists: This chapter explores how the names, colors, and behaviors of Blanche, Stella, and Stanley function as symbols for their inner natures and social positions.
4. New Orleans: The setting as a symbol?: This part investigates the symbolic role of the play's environment, focusing on New Orleans, the Elysian Fields, and the memory-laden estate of Belle Reve.
5. Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes how the ironic and intentional use of symbols enhances the reader's understanding of the characters and the play's deeper meanings.
Keywords
A Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams, symbolism, Blanche DuBois, Stella Kowalski, Stanley Kowalski, New Orleans, Elysian Fields, Belle Reve, color symbolism, irony, character analysis, drama, literature, American theater.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
This academic paper focuses on the interpretation of symbols within the play "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams, specifically analyzing characters, settings, and colors.
What are the core themes analyzed?
The central themes include the duality of appearance versus reality, the impact of social class, the struggle for identity, and the figurative meanings behind personal names and locations.
What is the main research question?
The paper explores how Tennessee Williams uses symbolic elements—such as names and colors—to reveal the true nature of his characters and to highlight the contrasting "worlds" they inhabit.
Which methodology is used in this analysis?
The author employs a literary analysis approach, breaking down textually significant symbols and correlating them with cultural, mythological, and linguistic definitions.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body systematically analyzes the character arcs of Blanche, Stella, and Stanley, the symbolic significance of New Orleans, and the metaphorical weight of locations like Belle Reve and the Elysian Fields.
What are the defining keywords of this paper?
The paper is characterized by terms such as symbolism, irony, character representation, and dramatic setting.
How does the author interpret the name "Blanche DuBois"?
The author interprets it as an ironic contradiction: "Blanche" suggests purity and white innocence, while "DuBois" signifies something solid or wooden, neither of which accurately reflects the character's fragile and complex reality.
Why is the "Elysian Fields" considered a symbolic location?
The author argues that "Elysian Fields" is used ironically; while the mythological name suggests a paradise for saints, it serves as the stage for Blanche's descent into psychological destruction and hellish reality.
- Quote paper
- Anna Borsum (Author), 2005, A Streetcar Named Desire: the symbolic meaning of names, setting and colors, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/39852
