A Streetcar Named Desire

A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams set during the 1940's presents clear differences and conflicts between the classes and also gender and sexuality. The play has clear archetypal characters yet they are still complex and well developed in a way that actively encourages the development of the play. For British audiences, it will cleverly open their eyes to the foundation of American politics and the viewpoints of society at the time. Williams presents criticism of hyper-masculinity an issue that modern audiences are able to relate to. The play is even studied at A-level English Literature as a representation of how in depth and relevant the play is. 

A Streetcar Named Desire is highly entwined with William's life. Williams had a fear of mental health decline and his sister faced a lobotomy as a result of her own mental health struggles. Tennessee Williams also presents a homosexual character (Allan Grey) as a representation of his own sexuality which took him years to come to terms with. The play is tragic, heartfelt and extremely moving. 

The play is great to watch and arguably even better to read as Williams has highly detailed stage directions that read like a book and is also not a difficult read and is a good way to introduce yourself into classic reads.

This book also has certain themes that may be highly upsetting to readers including domestic violence, rape, mental health (including threat of lobotomy), sexual assault. 

Written by M.