6.2.3
Marxist Approach
Marxist Approach
Marxist Approach
Marxist literary criticism considers a Marxist view of history, in which class struggle is essential. Marxist criticism focuses on the connections between literature and the economic structure of the society in which it was written.
Working vs middle-class
Working vs middle-class
- There is an axis in the play between the immigrant working-class world of Stanley and the more middle-class affluent world of Stella and Blanche.
- Stella has come down to Stanley’s level. But he hopes to transcend his class by working hard and providing for her.
Belle Reve
Belle Reve
- Blanche has lost part of the Belle Reve estate that Stanley feels he and Stella were entitled to.
- It is this that motivates Stanley to investigate Blanche.
- This matter also complicates the class struggle issue further.
The street
The street
- The background of the play (the street) is littered with other working-class characters who are trying to make their way in the world of the American Dream.
- They are forced to take menial jobs to get by and the dream seems to have turned somewhat sour.
Message about upper classes
Message about upper classes
- Although Blanche presents herself as middle class and refined, the audience is aware that she is down on her luck, and in fact, has less money and opportunities than Stanley or Stella.
- Williams may be suggesting that class issues are irrelevant and unimportant and that whatever class we are in, we can still feel sexual frustration and be unfulfilled.
1Context & Overview
1.1The Author
1.2Social Context & Setting
2Scene Summaries
2.3Scene Three
2.5Scene Five
2.6Scene Six
2.7Scene Seven
2.9Scene Nine
2.10Scene Ten
3Character Profiles
3.1Blanche DuBois & Stanley Kowalski
3.2Stella Kowalski & Harold Mitchell (Mitch)
4Key Ideas
4.1Sex & Gender
4.2Appearances, Fantasy & Reality
5Writing Techniques
5.2Genre, Form & Language
6Critical Debates
6.1Early & Modern Reception
6.2Feminist, Psychoanalytic & Marxist Approach
7Ideas About Tragedy
7.1Ideas About Tragedy
Jump to other topics
1Context & Overview
1.1The Author
1.2Social Context & Setting
2Scene Summaries
2.3Scene Three
2.5Scene Five
2.6Scene Six
2.7Scene Seven
2.9Scene Nine
2.10Scene Ten
3Character Profiles
3.1Blanche DuBois & Stanley Kowalski
3.2Stella Kowalski & Harold Mitchell (Mitch)
4Key Ideas
4.1Sex & Gender
4.2Appearances, Fantasy & Reality
5Writing Techniques
5.2Genre, Form & Language
6Critical Debates
6.1Early & Modern Reception
6.2Feminist, Psychoanalytic & Marxist Approach
7Ideas About Tragedy
7.1Ideas About Tragedy
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