A Streetcar Named Desire ( Is it a morality play or melodrama? )

Hi, friends, welcome back. Hmmm, there is only one more play to finish. So far we have finished with Antigone, King Lear, Anike and now we are doing 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams. The title of this play here itself suggests that image of a streetcar running down the street, driven by desire which seems to imply that those who board this car are helpless once they have made their choice to ride in it. This can be seen in Blanche's and Stella's character. The events in this play streches over several months, starting in May, and reaching the climax in September. This play centres on Blanche Dubois, and the other actors' which signifies how their behavior affects her.

The conversation between the two sisters in scene 4 is mainly about about the 'brutal desire' that decides their choice. Here Blanche goes further in explaining that the streetcar has brought to where she is now, that is in her sisters house. In addition, Blanche can be said as a contrasting character with Stella. As we know from the beginning of the play, Blanche has been considered as a tragic hero but towards the end of the play, we begin to see and feel pity for her. In other words, Blanche who came from an aristrocratic family have to move one step below when she is in her sisters house. She has adjust herself according to the situation worst still when Stella's husband is around. This in somehow will show how Blanche's attitude and behavior towards her sister and Stanley.