Outline for a Streetcar Named Desire
A Streetcar Named Desire Outline
Thesis: In the play A Streetcar Named Desire Tennessee Williams ultimately portrays the struggles of a woman in the 1920s. Through the demonstration of the main character, Blanche, we depict the struggles between alcoholism, the conflicts in social classes and the indifferences in sexuality.
I. Alcoholism a. Reality vs. Fantasy i. Alcohol was often abused by woman in the 20s, however it wasn’t always customary for women to be drinking so it was always hidden. ii. Blanche’s search for perfect escape leads her to heavy drinking, manipulative lies, pitiful self-deception, and finally to a complete break with reality iii. After the brutality of Stanley’s attack, Blanche can no longer embrace reality at all; she gives in completely to the insanity that has been so near at hand all along.
II. Social Classes a. Poverty vs. Wealthy iv. In the 1920s there was a very differential class difference, dealing with people were evidentially a lot more financially stable than others. v. When Blanche first arrives at Stella’s house she is shocked to see the conditions that Stella is living in considering she comes from a very wealthy background. vi. However, Blanche talks about having slept with multiple men to get money and protection. Poverty being the culprit behind these acts has forced Blanche to do such a thing. b. Poorly Educated vii. Not only is Blanche shocked about the house but she also comments on Stella’s husband, she notes that he is not American nor has he studied English well. This illustrates social class injustice and because his educational background isn’t strong it illustrates the issue of poverty.
III. Sexuality a. Tennessee Williams Past History viii. William’s homosexuality is also often reflected in his work. ix. Tennessee Williams
Thesis: In the play A Streetcar Named Desire Tennessee Williams ultimately portrays the struggles of a woman in the 1920s. Through the demonstration of the main character, Blanche, we depict the struggles between alcoholism, the conflicts in social classes and the indifferences in sexuality.
I. Alcoholism a. Reality vs. Fantasy i. Alcohol was often abused by woman in the 20s, however it wasn’t always customary for women to be drinking so it was always hidden. ii. Blanche’s search for perfect escape leads her to heavy drinking, manipulative lies, pitiful self-deception, and finally to a complete break with reality iii. After the brutality of Stanley’s attack, Blanche can no longer embrace reality at all; she gives in completely to the insanity that has been so near at hand all along.
II. Social Classes a. Poverty vs. Wealthy iv. In the 1920s there was a very differential class difference, dealing with people were evidentially a lot more financially stable than others. v. When Blanche first arrives at Stella’s house she is shocked to see the conditions that Stella is living in considering she comes from a very wealthy background. vi. However, Blanche talks about having slept with multiple men to get money and protection. Poverty being the culprit behind these acts has forced Blanche to do such a thing. b. Poorly Educated vii. Not only is Blanche shocked about the house but she also comments on Stella’s husband, she notes that he is not American nor has he studied English well. This illustrates social class injustice and because his educational background isn’t strong it illustrates the issue of poverty.
III. Sexuality a. Tennessee Williams Past History viii. William’s homosexuality is also often reflected in his work. ix. Tennessee Williams