In A Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams uses symbolism throughout the play to convey central ideas and themes. Each character is associated with symbols that represent their personality and their inner thoughts, namely Blanche and Stanley. Darkness is one of the major symbols used throughout the play. Blanche is most closely associated with this symbol because she had so much to hide. Darkness was the ... proves Blanche's statement, that she believes he is "subhuman."" Stan's lack of clothing in most of the other scenes also demonstrates Stan's masculinity and animal instincts. He is s...

• Word Count: 899
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... the story, while others exist only behind the scenes to symbolise ideas and assist our understandings of the major characters. This essay attempts to compare and contrast the presentation and function of minor characters in A Streetcar Named Desire. The appearances of minor characters on stage contribute significantly to the atmosphere of the play. The curtain opens on a casual conversation between Eunice and the Negro Woman. This opening ... . It is true that Blanche has often depended on the kindness of strangers, but all of them have abused and abandoned her. The audience is left hopi...

• Word Count: 1296
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... meanings or significance to objects, events or relationships. Symbolism plays an important role in the play by helping readers understand the concept of the theme better. The most obvious symbol used in A Streetcar Named Desire is its title and the actual reference, in the play, to the streetcars named Desire and Cemeteries. They not only are the means by which Blanche was brought to the home ... of Stanley and Stella; as the play unfolds, we realize the names of the streetcars have a greater significance. [Blanche says, " They told me to take ... she did not with her husband. She then...

• Word Count: 844
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School