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This is a place for us to discuss openly and honestly the literature we are reading. Here we are all just communicating our thoughts on what we are reading. There are no right and wrong answers. However, you are expected to be polite, mature, and on topic.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE


Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire is filled with symbols. Which symbol in the play did you find most reflective of a character or theme? Comment on its symbolism and what you saw through its use.

5 comments:

D Rocker12 said...

I think that the paper lantern represents Blanche the most. The lantern dims the light that touches Blanche. The paper lantern symbolizes protection. It protects her from the light, which symbolizes her past and helps her forget the death of her young husband. -DE

Radulalala said...

I think Stanley and Blanche themselves are important symbols that conflict each other. Stanley symbolizes the new south ideals while Blanche symbolizes the old south ideals. These two characters clash because of their opposite upbringing, beliefs, and personalities. -REF

RAF said...

The paper lantern represents Blanche because she hides behind the paper lantern to prevent others to see how old she actually is;it protects her from the younger men such as Mitch. Although Blanche is growing older, she still lives in the past. -RAF

CC said...

In Scene Seven, Blanche sings "It's Only a Paper Moon" while bathing. The song's lyrics describe the way love turns the world into a "phony" fantasy. In the song, the lyrics say that if both lovers believe in their imagined reality,that that is when it's no longer "make-believe". These lyrics sum up Blanche's approach to life. She believes that her fibbing is only her means of enjoying a better way of life and is therefore essentially harmless.

In reality, Blanche is a sham who feigns propriety and sexual modesty.

IH said...

The symbol that best reflects a character in A Streetcar Named Desire would be the meat and Stanley. Stanley is a primitive cave man who brings home the meat for his wife. He is barbaric brute. He will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. IH