Symbols in A Streetcar
Symbols in A Streetcar
Symbols in A Streetcar
Amid a post-war landscape, A Streetcar Named Desire employs plastic theatre to symbolise the
changes undergoing America in the play. Whether employing parallels, lighting, music, they amplify
the messages of the play: the new need for masculinity, the crumbling of the upper class and the
new interracial world. Thus, Tennessee Williams demonstrates both the unification of the people of
war, and the desocialisation of traumatised soldiers post WWII.
First, we see crude and animalistic language symbolising the need for power and masculinity post
war. Represented through Stanley, he is described as ‘the power and pride of a richly feathered male
bird among hens.’ From his description, we can deduce that Stanley exudes a sense of superiority
and this animal metaphor foreshadows and extends in Scene III: “You hens cut out…” This line is
imperative, showing despite everyone disagreeing with Stanley’s actions, he still believes himself
superior and degrades the women to ‘hens’. Post-war, soldiers felt the need for control amplified by
the violence they were bred and taught in battle. So, it is no surprise when Stanley succumbs to his
animalistic instincts, ‘charging’ at Stella in an effort to gain a sense of power. This animal symbology
shows the rise in male insecurity in a climate without consolation for traumatised soldiers, reflecting
the rise in domestic violence in the 40s and 50s.
However, this crude language can also be seen as symbology of the growing upper and lower class
divide, especially with the crumbling of the Southern bourgeoise after the American Civil War. For
example, when Stanley is looking through Blanche’s belongings, he asks Stella, “Where are your
pearls and gold bracelets?” Stanley’s incredulous attitude, looking at Blanche’s expensive belongings
juxtaposed against the small and modest 3 room house provokes this rhetorical: he is envious of
Blanche’s ‘plantation’ wealth, as Blanche represents the crumbling upper class and Stanley the
struggling lower. Even their clothes contrast, Blanche wearing the white, expensive materials
representing white collar workers and Stanley the blue shirt, the blue-collar workers. So, the props
and belongings and even the scenery of the run-down apartment symbolises not only the
antagonised attitudes of Stanley and Blanche, but Williams vocalising the growing divide of the
upper and lower class after the Civil War once the upper started losing their money from
plantations.
Leading on from plantations, as they crumbled and WWII began, black and African American soldiers
were able to help in the war effort. This signified the very starting foundations of an interracial
America. The play is set in New Orleans, the home of jazz and the ‘intermingling of races’ was
common. Soon, the stage directions describes that, “This ‘blue piano’ represents the spirit of the life
which goes on here.” Given that blues music belongs to African Americans and was a new and
incredible genre in America, it shows Williams views of interracial America being the new world. The
blues piano almost consistently plays throughout the play, getting louder at points of turmoil. The
fact that, “Two women, one white and one coloured…” are having a casual conversation when
racism was still prevalent shows Williams’ intention to show the overturning of years of racial
hierarchy in America, slowly but surely, symbolised through key elements of Black culture.
In conclusion, the metaphors and symbology in the play contributes to the medium of plastic
theatre. Tennessee Williams most prominently shows social change in America through these
symbols, such as masculinity & traditional heterosexual relationships, the overthrowing of the upper
class and the slow dismantling of racial inequality. All of these changes were provoked into action
post-war, both the American Civil War and World War Two, showing Williams’ overall message in
exploring how the events affected the general American’s ability to socialise.