A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams | Summary & Analysis

Course Hero Literature Instructor Russell Jaffe provides an in-depth analysis of the plot, characters, symbols, themes, and motifs of Tennessee Williams's play A Streetcar Named Desire.


As a heated investigation of sexuality and destruction, Tennessee Williams' A Street Car Named Desire features two of the most iconic characters in American theater.

The refined but fragile Blanche DuBois, who comes to visit her sister Stella in New Orleans, ricochets off of her working class brother-in-law Stanley Kowalski to spectacular effect. Stanley is irritated by Blanche's apparent sophistication and she by his coarse behavior and abuse of her sister.

Nonetheless, Blanche persists in trying to extricate Stella from the relationship. The desperate flirtations and alcoholic antics that ensue soon reach a crescendo. It is revealed that Blanche has lost her family estate and devolved into a life of promiscuity belied by her refined manners.

Infidelity, rape, alcoholism and mental illness combine to create a toxic brew that has left an indelible impression on American culture.

American playwright Tennessee Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire was first performed in 1947. Williams grew up in a strained household and suffered bouts of depression. At 28 he escaped to New Orleans, where he embraced the Southern culture that would inspire A Streetcar Named Desire. He is considered one of the most prominent American playwrights of the 20th century.

The play contains many powerful themes including truth vs. illusion, as Stanley’s unveiling of Blanche’s lies and self-deceptions trips away her illusions, leaving her exposed and unhinged, repression, as Blanche and Stanley appear to despise each other without acknowledging their mutual attraction, and passion as in Stella and Stanley’s steamy marriage, Blanche’s desperate sexual exploits, and Stanley’s volatile outbursts. Important motifs include Varsouviana Polka, Belle Reve, and the blue piano.


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[Crazyboe]

This is the energy/excitement I need in 2020

[obye]

I have an essay on this due tomorrow and I haven’t read a thing

[samanthalonergan]

Thank you for this run through. I'm taking my A level and having firstly watched the National Theatre Live performance (AMAZING acting with Gillian Anderson BTW!) and secondly, having read the actual play, I find it affirming and helpful to watch this today. Definitely recommend this with a cup of tea and a notebook :)

[maliuuum]

ib exam in 2 hrs and i just woke up, thanks 🤞

[andrewfitzgerald]

You're a lifesaver, thank you for this, and thank you for your energy.

[gabilliamexists]

I'm reading this in class for a third time in my life, first in high school, second at the start of college and now later in my college career. This video has taught me things I never noticed, thanks so much!

[HamzaTalksFootball]

How well read must Russell be. 😂😂😂 I mean to read is one thing but the level of analysis on each one of the books I've seen him analyse- unreal!

[AllenReviews]

thx man, i can't wait until I'm done with high school

[fawziyah]

Have to write a critique on this play and this helped a lot ! I feel like I need to watch the 2 hr stage play its an interesting drama with outstanding themes and symbols

[siktayadav]

Me yawning, as soon as this man comes, mini heart attack!..hats off to the energy.

[트랑타오담]

I love it when the instructor sounds like a actor on stage, too :))))

[selen]

thank you for saving my literature grade

[ariamathias]

Great video ! Helps with the understanding of the plot as well as the analysis. Thank you !

[HelloKittyyy]

Thanks!! I’ve got a test about this tomorrow and this really helped me 😙✨

[Emma_x]

my a level exam is tomorrow and this really helped :) you're a lifesaver

[bethanyhovermale]

That feeling when your author study project is due tomorrow and you still need to read like two more plays...

[BookLoversPizza]

Looking at how adaptations of 'A Streetcar Named Desire' have changed over time has been so interesting, from the original script to the Marlon Brando film, and to newer remakes of the play, what a journey it has been. Inspired by the play I have also created a summary and analysis of the play on my youtube channel, and would greatly appreciate any support!

An incredibly psychologically intriguing play.

[chickennoodles]

i need everything he talked about written down anyone have an idea where i can find it on the web?

[megimurrizi]

Have you prepared a video about A Farewell to Arms by Hemingway and a video about Long Day's Journey into Night by O'Neill?

[PinkSkyscraper]

Thank you so much!! Took notes and I'm ready for class!