5.2.1

Genre

Test yourself

Genre

A Streetcar Named Desire may simultaneously be described as a story of modern times, a tragedy, a fable about the American South and a love story.

Illustrative background for Elements explainedIllustrative background for Elements explained ?? "content

Elements explained

  • In short, these four elements come together to make the overall narrative about ‘destructive passion’.
  • We already know much about it being a love story and a tragedy.
  • By fable, we mean that it contains many archetypes and that within the narrative, there is a moral message for the reader.
Illustrative background for Tragic featuresIllustrative background for Tragic features ?? "content

Tragic features

  • We know that tragedies in modern times often consider the following generic elements and these elements are repeated time and time again within the play:
    • Anti-heroes are depicted. Both Stanley and Blanche are anti-heroes. Characters are ordinary people and not ‘great’ men or women.
    • Although family life is essential, it is presented as somehow inadequate. Maybe it does not live up to the American Dream. The inadequacy of family life may undermine the characters’ faith in the system.
Illustrative background for Tragic features (cont.)Illustrative background for Tragic features (cont.) ?? "content

Tragic features (cont.)

  • The world is full of deceit and that dreams turn out to be illusory and fleeting.
  • Often, characters are seen as manipulators and they vie for control and power like caged animals.
  • There is often an emphasis on the psychological aspects of characters. The was because the notion of psychology and psycho-analysis developed greatly in the twentieth century. It is clear from the play that the disorder of the world sometimes matches a disorder of the mind.
Illustrative background for Tragic features (cont.)Illustrative background for Tragic features (cont.) ?? "content

Tragic features (cont.)

  • In earlier plays, the tragedy looks ‘outwards’. In modern tragedies, the text looks ‘inwards’.
  • Usually, there is some element of the past which impinges on the present, and this is certainly true of A Streetcar Named Desire.

Jump to other topics

1Context & Overview

2Scene Summaries

3Character Profiles

4Key Ideas

5Writing Techniques

6Critical Debates

7Ideas About Tragedy

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson