Critics of Streetcar 12/11/15

https://www.englishandmedia.co.uk/e-magazine/articles/18280

Old South versus New America:

The power struggle between Blanche and Stanley could represent the two sides of the American Civil war. Blanche symbolises the Old South who is defeated by Stanley who symbolises newly emerging society.

The distinction between Blanche and Stanley's social backgrounds is established by their state of dress. The way Blanche dresses identifies her as someone with a wealthy background who lived a privileged life of pleasure, not work. Stanley dresses in casual clothes, such as denim, which identifies him as a modern American who has to work in order to succeed and sport and popular culture is preferred over more intellectual pastimes.

Therefore, Blanche could be portrayed as an invader in a world which resents her and will eventually destroy her. The evidence of this is during the rape scene which represents the defeat of culture and values that Blanche holds dear; this is symbolised where Blanche's elegant clothes are described as "soiled and crumpled white satin evening gown" and Stanley's attire is described as "brilliant pyjama coat".

Stella is a bridge between the two worlds. She has the same background of inherited wealth as Blanche as she grew up in the Old South with her family. However, at the time of the play she lives in the new world of America witth Stanley which has far more modern ideals and mannerisms. The contrast between the two worlds she lives in is symbolised when Willaims first describes her as "a gentle woman...of a background obviously quite different to her husband's" which implies that Stella has kept part of her identity from the Old South as Southern Belles were expected to be dainty. However, she has allowed more modern American traits to influence her attire. When Stella and Blanche first talk, Blanche points out that she has "spilt something on that pretty white lace collar" which implies that although Stella dresses nicely she does not have such strong opinions on immaculate outfits as Blanche. Furthermore, this could symbolise the Old South fading away from Stella; it is significant that Blanche notices this because throughout the play she continuously attempts to make Stella behave more like a Southern Belle but because she fails, this symbolises the new world of America defeating the Old South.

The play symbolises how the Old South and its many ideals has been lost. Blanche represents the last, fading species of people who are desperately clinging on to the past. This is implied where Blanche and Mitch attempt to re-create romantic chivalry by waltzing to the radio. However, yet again, this fantasy is destroyed by the new world where Stanley throws the radio out of the window. This symbolises modern America rejecting the Old South and demolishing their essence. This is further implied by Stanley's brutish behaviour. Blanche's values dictate that men must be gentlemen and treat women like they are delicate whilst acting respectful at all times. However, Stella finds Stanley's primitive behaviour exciting and is exhilarated by his display of power.