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A Streetcar Named Desire Symbolism Essay

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Tennessee Williams uses a vast amount of symbolism in his play A Streetcar Named Desire. Using symbolism allows you to see the foreshadowing of true events and the growth of characters. Two of the greatest symbols in the play are Blanche’s name and Williams’ use of light. Blanche’s name is one of the greatest symbols in the play. The name Blanche is French for “white” or “fair”. Her name conveys her as a very faultless and pure person. In the beginning of scene one, Blanche appears “ Daintily dressed in a white suit with a fluffy bodice, necklace and earrings of pearl, white gloves and hat, looking as if she were arriving at a summer tea or cocktail party in the garden district” (Williams 5). White corresponds with light, innocence, goodness, …show more content…

Blanche uses a paper lantern to block out the strong light in the Kowalski’s hallway of their apartment. She is getting older and doesn’t want anyone to see, particularly Mitch, that she’s no longer young. Blanche states “I can’t stand a naked light bulb, any more than I can a rude remark or a vulgar action” (Williams 60). Blanche’s reaction to light shows an attempt to hide her vanishing beauty and youth, rather than accepting the reality that she is no longer young and innocent. Blanche sees Mitch as a future husband, and doesn’t want him to know about her past or her real age. “Let’s leave the lights off. Shall we?” (Williams 103). The best way to not let Mitch see any of her fading youth is to hide in the dark and stay away from bright lights. Staying in the dark hides Blanche’s true facade and personality. Tennessee Williams’ symbolism of Blanche’s name and the use of light in A Streetcar Named Desire are considered to be some of the greatest symbols in the play. The play's title refers to a real streetcar in New Orleans. It connects the controlling force of desire behind the characters’ actions, which leads to the true meaning of Blanche and the ironies that come along with

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