Form & Language
Literature in English: Cambridge International GCSE A Streetcar Named Desire, topic 5.2.2
Epigram
The play begins with an epigram from Hart Crane’s The Broken Tower. Epigrams usually offer a pithy insight into the action and narrative of the play.
The epigram
"And so it was I entered the broken world
To trace the visionary company of love, its voice
An insult in the wind [I know not whither hurled]
But not for long to hold each desperate choice."
Interpretation
- In this case, this seems to be apt because Blanche is entering and part of a broken world.
- She is seeking the "visionary" company of love but does not find it.
- Therefore, it is an "insult in the wind" (having no meaning).
- Considering her age and the decisions she has already made in her life, Blanche does face a "desperate" choice. She can have the faceless and boring Mitch or the "brutal desire" of Stanley. When she chooses "brutal desire", then tragedy is inevitable.
Language
Williams deliberately contrasts male and female language in the play. He confronts harrowing issues in his language.
Types of English
- Much of the language of the play is obviously based on American-English with its inherent phrases and rhythms.
- The American-English used is also distinctly "Southern" in feel.
- ‘White’ English language is often contrasted with ‘Black’- and ‘Mexican’- English.
Stanley and Blanche's language
- Williams contrasts the language of Stanley and Blanche.
- Blanche's language is full of dreamy, sophisticated ideas and terms. She tries to show off that she is cultured.
- Stanley’s language is earthy, industrial and working-class. He does not use pretentious language.
Contrast: male/female language
- William seems to show that men and women use different language for different purposes.
- The male language in the play tends to be more direct, whilst the female language is necessarily more circuitous and guarded (given that women were operating in a patriarchal world).
- Mitch uses more sensitive language than the other men.
Shocking concepts
- Williams was not afraid to use quite shocking ideas in his dramas. He confronts and deals issues such as rape, homosexuality, underage sex and sexual desire within women in his language.
Test yourself on Form & Language
Who is seeking "visionary" company of love but does not find it in A Streetcar Named Desire?
Which male character uses the most sensitive language?
What topics does Williams discuss that would have been shocking for his contemporary audience?