In regard to the thematic content of A Streetcar Named Desire, it is apparent that there are various differences within the literary and film version of the play. In the literary work it can be seen that Tennessee Williams’s main purpose is that one must learn to deal with hardships in life rather than fantasize solutions because false fantasies hinder a person's development. Whereas, in the film version, Eliza Kazan’s main purpose is very similar yet different, the play visually imparts the notion of accepting the truth even though one may have to make crucial sacrifices within their life. The audience is able to recognize the minor difference between the two versions by comprehending the significance of the ending within both forms of the play.
The literary version focalizes the play around the complexity of characters, specifically Blanche Dubois. Blanche was unable to deal with the social and financial issues that occurred within her past, leading her to create a fake persona. In Scene Four, Blanche states, “I have an idea of some kind...Shep Huntleigh...someone with a million dollars” (Williams 66). The reader is able to see that the author is calling attention upon her tragic flaw. Rather than understanding and learning how to deal with her economic problems, Blanche decides to create a false solution. She fantasizes about a married millionaire man randomly acknowledging her and relieving her from all her financial restraints. For this reason, Blanche becomes seen a mentally unstable character. Conclusively, portraying the fact that her false imaginations hindered her success and development. Although, Blanche is the main focus, Williams utilizes literary strategies such as allusion to convey the main purpose of the play. In Scene One, Blanche states, “They told me to take a street-car named Desire, and then transfer to one called Cemeteries and ride six blocks and get off at-Elysian Fields” (Williams 18). The author utilizes this literary strategy to foreshadow the tragedy that Blanche will undergo within the story. Williams introduces Blanche as a woman that aspires to live a healthy and wealthy lifestyle. Thus, explaining the reasoning as to why her first vehicle was named “Desire.” Her main goal is represented by the name of her destination, “Elysian Fields,” which is known as a lavish resting destination for Greek heroes. But, in order to reach her initial destination, Blanche must take a vehicle that is named “Cemeteries.” Therefore, representing the tragic downfall that she brings upon herself throughout the story.
The film version, however, focalizes the play around the life of Stella Kowalski. Stella throughout the entire screening of the play is caught up in issues between two important figures within her life: Stanley her husband and Blanche her sister. As a result, Stella becomes the main focal point since she is the one that is being the most effected. A visual performance of the play allows the audience to identify the significance of the characters. Stella and Stanley can be seen as a representation of the real world (reality), while Blanche can be seen as a representation of her false illusions. For such a reason, there is always tension between Stanley and Blanche (reality vs fantasy) when they collide. However, since Stella is always in the middle of the suspense, she much like Blanche, must learn to accept her own reality which is that both her sister and husband serve as negative figures within her life. Kazan directed the ending differently by showing Stella’s reaction after Blanche is taken away. Stella can be seen responding to Stanley’s calls by running upstairs with her newborn baby and saying “No I’m not going back...not this time.” Displaying the fact that she is willing to let go of her sister and passionate relationship with her husband to live a better lifestyle for not only herself, but her newborn as well. Hence, the fact that in order for one to develop as a person, one must learn to make crucial sacrifices when accepting reality.
Even though, both the literary and film version similarly portray the thematic content of the tragic play, they convey slightly different purposes. By reading the literary work, readers are able to understand the complexity of Blanche, along with the functions of literary devices; such as allusions within the film. Through this version, scholars are able to understand that the play mainly revolves around Blanche, along with her delusions, since they were the main reasoning for her tragedy. However, through a visual presentation of the theater piece, the audience is able to comprehend the importance of Stella. Scholars are able to recognize the fact that the play revolves around Stella since she is capable of accepting the truth even though she must sacrifice valuable relationships. Ultimately, showing that minor fixtures within the ending of the play lead people to perceive the significance of the thematic content differently.
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Hi Nelson, great post! You supported your thesis quite well by seamlessly incorporating textual evidence. You organized your post quite well, which makes your argument clear. The only distraction was how you worded the thesis. For example: "The purpose of Streetcar alters between the play and film version from the different endings".
ReplyDeleteHi Nelson!
ReplyDeleteWow, this was a really good blog post! You brought up so many great points about the focus on Blanche vs. Stella in the play vs. film-- I especially liked how you considered the ways in which the audience would respond and what messages they would glean from each of the stories based upon who was the focus.
Your point on the symbolism behind the names of the streets (Cemeteries and Elysium) was particularly interesting to me, and I would have liked to see a bit more expansion on that. I also agree with the comment above me on the wording of the thesis, I found it a bit vague, and was unsure what direction the post would take.
As a whole, though, this post was extremely strong and well-written. Nice work!
Nelson,
ReplyDeleteThank you for allowing me to read your post. Your thesis of how the film adaptation of the play provides several neuances that are not found within the book was clear and interesting. As we watched the clip of Blanche being raped by Stanley, I was able to understand this scene better than when I read it on paper. Stella reflecting "reality" while Blanche embodies some sort of fantasy is interesting. If this post was going to made longer I think adding more quotes and explanation on how Blanche embodies a "fantasy" would make the argument even stronger.