A Streetcar Named Desire Social Historical Context

?
  • Created by: Frizbee26
  • Created on: 16-06-17 22:47
View mindmap
  • Streetcar Named Desire A03
    • Old South Vs. New South
      • Old South- a term used to describe the pre-Civil War Southern states
        • Despite the slavery it had been mythologised as a time of chivalry, beauty, wealth and gentility
          • There were 'Southern Belles' and 'Southern Gentelman'
            • 'Southern Belles' characterised by their  femininity, elegance, charming nature,witty and flirtatious. Never seen to eat a lot, rode horses, had a drawl to their Southern accent and fainted a lot
              • They wore frou frou (showy, frilly, ornamental) ruffeled lace dresses with hats, fans and white gloves. Often had pale white complexion from not working in the sun or being in the sun
                • Typefied by Blanche and she also represents the Old South
            • 'Southern Gentelman' characterised by their polite, good mannered, gentelmanly behaviour. Typefied by Shep Huntleigh
      • New South- following the war, industrialisation took over from traditional farming, transforming Southern life
        • Stanley could be said to represent the vigour and drive of the New South and he also works in a factory
    • The American Civil War 1861-1865
      • War between the nothern Union and the southern Confederacy states of the USA
        • Notthern states supported the abolishment of slavery
    • Tenessee Williams' Life
      • Born 1911 in Mississipi. Died 1983.
        • Moved many times and had unstable childhood
          • In his later years suffered with alcohol problems and depression
      • Mother Edwina Dakin was the genteel daughter of a church minister
        • Blanche inspired by mother
          • Felt she married beneath her (like Stella)
            • Conflict between mother and father presented in conflict between Stanley and Blanche
              • Stanley inspired by father
                • Referred to Tenessee who was gay as 'Miss Nancy'
                  • Used crude language, was misoginistic, had a predatory sexuality, desired to dominate and had alcohol fuelled rage
      • Father Cornelius Coffin Williams was a bad tempred, domineering, heavy-drinking, womaniser
        • Used crude language, was misoginistic, had a predatory sexuality, desired to dominate and had alcohol fuelled rage

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar English Literature resources:

See all English Literature resources »See all A Streetcare Named Desire resources »