A Streetcar Named Desire

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A Streetcar Named Desire Advanced Placement Literature and Composition In Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire," symbolism and characterization are the primary literary devices used to advance the plot and further the meaning of the work as a whole. Each of the main characters represents something different. The play centers around two characters, Blanche and Stanley, and the conflict that quickly develops between them. These characters represent the changing of times during the first half of the 20th century, especially in the Deep South. During this time, many changes were occurring in the social standards. Stanley Kowalski represents the new America being formed during the 20th century. After fighting in World War II, he got a job selling automotive parts for the recent increase in car sales. He is the main source of income for the family who often becomes over controlling and violent. As part of the working force, Stanley has few luxuries. He is proud of his job and life; however, he does not have anything spectacular to show for it. He is proud of his Polish family heritage and takes great offense when being called a Polack, especially when Stella is the one to say it. Stanley’s down-to-earth character proves harmfully crude and brutish. As a realist, Stanley sees things as they are and does not try to distort or mask the truth in any way. His chief amusements are gambling, bowling, sex, and drinking, and he lacks ideals and imagination. His disturbing, degenerate nature, first hinted at when he beats his wife, is fully evident after he rapes his sister-in-law. Stanley shows no remorse for his brutal actions. Blanche Dubois is the most complex character in "A Streetcar Named Desire." She represents the Old South mixing with the new America. For both of these characters, the inability to adapt and change to the recent times is their
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