Tragic Structure & Language
Literature in English: Cambridge International GCSE A Streetcar Named Desire, topic 7.1.3
Tragic Structure and Language
Williams shapes the structural pattern of the text as it moves from order to disorder, through climax to resolution, and uses language to shape the tragedy.
Structure
- This play is not a conventional tragedy.
- We know that Blanche is unhappy when we first meet her. She is trying to make the best of things – and in order to survive, she has to lie.
- The drama’s run from order to disorder happens when Blanche’s lies are exposed.
- She was once prosperous but had to leave that behind because of bad decisions taken in Laurel.
Climax
- The climax of the play comes when Stanley rapes Blanche.
- Events are resolved when Blanche is taken away to recover in a mental institution.
- The audience notes that despite events of the play, Stella chooses to still stick with "brutal desire" in the form of Stanley.
- Mitch is broken-hearted.
Tragic Language
Williams uses language in the following ways to heighten the tragedy:
Blanche
- Blanche concerns herself with the language of poetry and music of bohemianism but rarely confronts the truth; her language is often woolly and evasive.
Mitch
- Mitch’s language is initially kindly and supportive, in that he tries to help Blanche. But in the end, he becomes bitter and harsh when he attempts to assault her.
Other language
- The use of the language of the city of New Orleans enhances the tragic mood.
- The language of gambling shows how fragile life is and that that life is also a game or a gamble.
Stanley and Stella
- Stanley’s language is cynical, sceptical and interrogative throughout the play.
- Stanley uses lots of working-class phraseology; Blanche’s language is more educated.
- Stella’s language is conciliatory. She tries to be the voice of reason.
Test yourself on Tragic Structure & Language
What is the climax of the play?
Tragic Structure of A Streetcar Named Desire
What is the resolution of the play?
Whose language could be described as conciliatory?
When does Mitch's language turn bitter?