A Streetcar Named Desire: Context: Hart Crane

Hart Crane’s Influence on ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’

Influence on Title:

The title ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ is taken from a real streetcar line in New Orleans, which is mentioned in ‘The Broken Tower’, a poem by Hart Crane.
Hart Crane’s poetry often centres around desire as a driving, destructive force, mirroring the theme of overpowering desire in the play.

Writing Style Inspiration:

Tennessee Williams acknowledged Hart Crane as one of his biggest influences.
Williams admired Crane’s poetic style and it is reflected in the lyrical and expressive language used in his own plays, including ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’.

Themes and Symbols:

Crane’s poetry often references unfulfilled sexual desire and disappointment, a critical theme in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’.
The idea of a “journey”, both physical and emotional, is also a recurring image in Crane’s poetry. This is significant in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ as the play itself can be seen as Blanche’s journey towards self-destruction.

Imagery:

Much like Crane, Williams uses multi-sensory imagery to create vivid experiences for the audience.
The often disorienting and chaotic imagery in Crane’s work is echoed in Blanche’s progressively unstable perception of reality and her eventual breakdown.

Characters and Motivation:

Both Williams and Crane explore characters who are outcasts or misfits in their respective societies, often misunderstood or looked down upon.
These characters are driven by strong desires, whether it be for acceptance, love, or escape, and often have tragic ends, much like Blanche.

Philosophy and Tone:

Crane’s work is often imbued with melancholy, a sense of despair, and a struggle with identity, all of which can be found in Williams’ portrayal of Blanche’s character and her tragic downfall.

By considering Hart Crane’s influence on ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, a broader understanding of the play’s themes, characters, and dramatic techniques can be gained.