A Streetcar Named Desire - Context - Flashcards in A Level and IB English Literature

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Created by: Amleth
Created on: 22-05-18 19:32

Published

1947

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Family background

1937 - sister lobotomised / homosexual / depression / mother abused by alcoholic father

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Civil War

Southern con states lost it in - 1865. Slavery abolished, wealthy families declined.

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Old vs New South

Blanche = Old - refined taste and dislike of vulgarity. Stanley = New - sexual freedom and industrialisation.

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New Orleans

Know to be relaxed - heightens drama - Culturally diverse - especially French Quarter - all race lived. Previously housed by French colonists, now the embodiment of new America. Legal system favours Napoleonic code, from days of French rule.

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American values

USA prided self on open arms to immigrants, yet Blanche calls Stanley a 'Polack'. Stanley displays typical overt American pride - feels he is all American, living the American dream.

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Masculine vs Feminine

Structure of workforce change drastically - included women and different races - men felt emasculated by their freedom. Proving masculinity in war, Stanley asserts it at home. Excess masculine bravado one that filled America after war, following vic

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Masculine vs feminine con

All females display dependence on men - Blanche needing validation / Stella financial - social support / Eunice taking abuse and reinforcing Stella's decision. Their fate is in the hands of men.

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Feminism

Feminist movement put on hold due to Great Depression, during war, women experienced workplace liberation.

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Family background

Back

1937 - sister lobotomised / homosexual / depression / mother abused by alcoholic father

Card 3

Front

Civil War

Back

Card 4

Front

Old vs New South

Back

Card 5

Front

New Orleans

Back

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A Streetcar Named Desire - Context