Symbolism in A Streetcar Named Desire 

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  • New Orleans- The New South, more liberal attitudes
    • Symbolism in A Streetcar Named Desire
      • Stella- Means star in Latin. Symbolises light/hope for Blanche and Stanley
        • Blanche Dubois- means white woods, ironic as suggests her innocence suggests who she desires to be/ her facade
        • Mitch- In hewbrew means 'who is God?' He can't be the saviour to Blanche, only a fantasy
        • Stanley- stone suggests his strength, he is the future
        • Edgar Allan Poe- Blanche mentions him when describing the apartment & his poem 'vlamume' he visits his dead wife's grave, ironic as the apartment is where Blanche meets her end. Or as the poem is about him trying to cope with the loss highlights Blanche is still haunted by the loss of her husband
      • Alcohol- Form of escapism for Blanche
        • Bright Colours- The men wear bright colours to showcase their masculinity. In the poker night the room is primary colours suggesting the primal instincts of the men.
        • Portieres- Makes the place seem more confined and creates a lack of privacy. Is like a entrapment for Blanche: both Stanley's and Mitch's confrontation happens in the apartment.
        • Stars/night sky- Represents hope, Blanche's desire for a better life, where she is no longer haunted by her past
      • Violets- Blanche tries to locate artificial violets. In folklore its a sign of fortune shows Blanche's longing for a blissful future.  In Rome its a common funeral flowers signifying  the end for Blanche.
        • The columns- Represents the old south  and how Stanley sees that he transitioned Stella into the new south 'pulled you off  them columns'
        • Old Madonna- Also known as virgin Mary, shows Blanche is wearing  the colour of purity as her final lasting impression.  Highlights her vulnerability to the audience.
        • Seven card stud- Is a changing game representing the  Kolwalski's  apartment is ever changing and New Orleans. Stud  could represent male dominance therefore showing Stanley wins at the end.
    • Elysian Fields- In Greek mythology is the place where heroes went to rest after their death. Presents Blanches final resting place.
    • Streetcars Desire and Cemeteries- Symbolise two main themes-Desire and death. Also foreshadows Blanche's fate
    • Belle Reve-Beautiful dream. Symbolises the old South. Should be 'Beau' -  suggests Imperfection of the old south.

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