A Streetcar Named Desire: Context: The Great Depression

Contextual Influence on the Play

The setting of the play and its themes significantly draw from the socio-economic landscape of the Great Depression in America.
During the Depression era, the social fabric was drastically affected, with many families torn apart by socio-economic disparities, as seen through the interactions between Blanche, Stella, and Stanley.

Key Understanding

The financial struggles experienced by individuals during the Great Depression can be seen in Blanche’s loss of the family estate, Belle Reve. This loss served as a catalyst for Blanche’s mental breakdown.
The stark contrast between Blanche’s past wealth and her current poverty mirrors the socio-economic disparities and social instability experienced during the Great Depression.
Stanley represents the new, self-made man, reflecting the necessity for individual ambition and grit during this time, a foil to the dependency and indulgent lifestyle of the old Southern elite.

Key Quotes

Blanche: “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers”. This highlights Blanche’s loss of independence and the collapse of her old world marked by wealth and social status.
Stanley: “I pulled you down off them columns, and how you loved it!” This illustrates the significant shift in social status experienced by many during the Great Depression.

Themes

Financial hardship and poverty: This is evident in the play through the continuous money struggles faced by the characters.
Class and social divisions: The stark disparity between the old Southern gentility and the new working class America, embodied by Blanche and Stanley, is reflective of the societal shift during the Great Depression.
Survival: The struggle for survival during the Great Depression is depicted, with Stanley relying on his strength to maintain control and Blanche clinging to illusion to escape the harsh reality.

Literary Style and Devices

The use of symbolism in the play, such as Blanche’s outdated southern belle clothing, represents her inability to cope with changing socio-economic circumstances.
The juxtaposition of Blanche and Stanley’s worldviews symbolises the economic and social rift precipitated by the Great Depression.
Tennessee Williams utilises dialogue and monologue to highlight the economic struggles, such as Stanley’s revelations about Belle Reve’s loss and Blanche’s memories revealing her precarious financial situation.

It is crucial to consider this context when interpreting the events and character motivations in “A Streetcar Named Desire” to provide a comprehensive analysis of the play.