Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Streetcar: Act One

Today we'll continue our reading of A Streetcar Named Desire.

1. Light is used as a motif and symbol in the play. Consider what its presence or absence indicates. Particularly, what does it mean as a personal symbol for Blanche?
2. Williams uses sound as a dramatic device. When and what does Blanche hear music? Look for this sort of symbolism throughout the play. Music helps create tone, as well.
3. Mitch is different from the other men in the play. He is a contrast to Stanley's brutishness. Williams uses Mitch as a complication for Blanche, and a contrast to Stanley.
4. Likewise Stella contrasts her sister Blanche. 

The 1951 film starred a young Marlon Brando and actress Vivien Leigh. The movie was directed by Elia Kazan.

Here's the famous Stella scene.
And the screaming contest it created.

Brainstorming: Create a character sketch, give that character a deep, dark secret from his/her past.

Classwork: On the index card, choose one of the major characters from the play (Stanley, Blanche, Stella, Mitch) and draw a quick artist interpretation picture of that character. On the back of the index card, as we read, write down any words or phrases that other characters use to describe that character. These words should be taken directly from the dialogue. This is part of your participation work. Please turn in your card at the end of the play.

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About this course!

This course stresses understanding the characteristics & techniques in the literary genres of fiction, poetry, and dramatic writing. This course will continue to build on students’ reading and writing skills begun in previous creative writing classes. Readings and discussions of works by major writers in the field will be examined as inspiration and models of fine writing. This educational blog is designed for the use of the students at the School of the Arts in Rochester, NY.