5.1.2

Linking Devices

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Dramatic Structure: Linking Devices

In terms of dramatic structure, Williams also uses the following core elements to provide continuity across the text:

Piano music

Piano music

  • The use of piano music to provide a link from one scene to another.
Polka / polka dancing

Polka / polka dancing

  • The use of polka and polka dancing to suggest wildness and eroticism – as well as memories of Blanche’s past.
Bathroom

Bathroom

  • The technique of placing Blanche in the bathroom so that on-stage discussion about her can take place between Stella and Stanley.
Male and female space

Male and female space

  • The depiction of male space with the gambling table – and female space being anywhere else but at the table.

Dramatic Structure: Linking Devices (cont.)

Outside space (street)

Outside space (street)

  • The use of the outside space of the street, providing a commentary on the interior space (the apartment).
Properties

Properties

  • The continual use of properties such as alcohol, the radio, jewellery and clothing.
Characters listening in

Characters listening in

  • The use of characters listening in and overhearing what is being spoken either in the street or inside the apartment.
Telephone

Telephone

  • The structural use of the telephone to give Blanche a line to the outside world – although this is rarely returned to her, showing her isolation.
Jump to other topics
1

Context & Overview

1.1

The Author

1.1.1Tennessee Williams
1.2

Social Context & Setting

1.2.1Social Context1.2.2Social Issues1.2.3Setting
1.3

Tragedy

1.3.1Overview of the Tragic Genre1.3.2Modern Domestic Tragedy1.3.3End of Topic Test - Author, Context & Tragedy
2

Scene Summaries

2.1

Scene One-Two

2.1.1Scene One: Summary2.1.2Scene One: Tragedy Ideas2.1.3Scene Two: Summary & Tragedy Ideas2.1.4End of Topic Test - Scenes One-Two
2.2

Scene Three-Four

2.2.1Scene Three: Summary & Tragedy Ideas2.2.2Scene Four: Summary & Tragedy Ideas2.2.3End of Topic Test - Scenes Three & Four
2.3

Scenes Five-Eigth

2.3.1Scene Five: Summary & Tragedy Ideas2.3.2Scene Six: Summary2.3.3Scene Seven: Summary & Tragedy Ideas2.3.4Scene Eight: Summary & Tragedy Ideas2.3.5End of Topic Test - Scenes Five-Eight
2.4

Scenes Nine-Eleven

2.4.1Scene Nine: Summary & Tragedy Ideas2.4.2Scene Ten: Summary & Tragedy Ideas2.4.3Scene Eleven: Summary & Tragedy Ideas2.4.4End of Topic Test - Scenes Nine-Eleven
3

Character Profiles

3.1

Blanche DuBois & Stanley Kowalski

3.1.1Blanche DuBois - The Past & Illusions3.1.2Blanche DuBois - Relationship with Men & Breakdown3.1.3The Dynamic Between Blanche & Stanley3.1.4End of Topic Test - Blanche & Stanley
3.2

Stella Kowalski & Harold Mitchell (Mitch)

3.2.1Stella Kowalski3.2.2Harold Mitchell (Mitch)
3.3

Minor Characters

3.3.1The Hubbels3.3.2Other Characters3.3.3End of Topic Test - Stella, Mitch & Others
4

Key Ideas

4.1

Sex & Gender

4.1.1Sex & Desire4.1.2Masculinity & Femininity4.1.3End of Topic Test - Sex, Desire & Gender
4.2

Appearances, Fantasy & Reality

4.2.1Outer & Inner Appearances4.2.2Fantasy & Reality4.2.3End of Topic Test - Appearances, Fantasy...
5

Writing Techniques

5.1

Structure

5.1.1Structure & Stage Design5.1.2Linking Devices5.1.3Recurring Motifs
5.2

Genre, Form & Language

5.2.1Genre5.2.2Form & Language5.2.3End of Topic Test - Writing Techniques
6

Critical Debates

6.1

Early & Modern Reception

6.1.1Interpreting Blanche & Self-Pity6.1.2Contemporary & Modern Reviews
6.2

Feminist, Psychoanalytic & Marxist Approach

6.2.1Feminist Approach6.2.2Psychoanalytic Approach6.2.3Marxist Approach6.2.4End of Topic Test - Critical Debates
7

Ideas About Tragedy

7.1

Ideas About Tragedy

7.1.1Tragic Ideas7.1.2Tragic Villain7.1.3Tragic Structure & Language7.1.4Tragic Plots & Sub-Plots
8

Recap: Main Quotes

8.1

Main Quotes by Scene

8.1.1Scene One - Quotations8.1.2Scene Two - Quotations8.1.3Scene Three - Quotations8.1.4Scene Four - Quotations8.1.5Scene Five - Quotations8.1.6Scene Six - Quotations8.1.7Scene Seven - Quotations8.1.8Scene Eight - Quotations8.1.9Scene Nine - Quotations8.1.10Scene Ten - Quotations8.1.11Scene Eleven - Quotations

Practice questions on Linking Devices

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
    What provides a link between scenes?Multiple choice
  2. 2
    What does the use of polka and polka dancing suggest?Fill in the list
  3. 3
    What's the male space in _A Streetcar Named Desire_?Multiple choice
  4. 4
    What is used to provide a commentary on the inside space?Multiple choice
  5. 5
    What item gives Blanche a link to the outside world?Multiple choice
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Structure & Stage Design

Recurring Motifs