A Streetcar Named Desire Symbolism Essay - 1233 Words

Tennessee Williams was a well-recognized writer who wrote dramatic plays such as, The Glass Menagerie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and A Streetcar Named Desire, which resembled his own personal life and experiences. In the play, A Streetcar Named Desire, Blanche is an unstable and desperate woman who travels to New Orleans in search of a new life and to live with her sister Stella and abusive husband Stanley Kowalski. The story follows her journey over a year as she navigates through the unsophisticated streets of New Orleans living in her own delusions covering the real truth. Tennessee Williams uses symbolism and imagery in A Streetcar Named Desire to convey the idea that appearances can be deceiving, hiding what really lies below the surface†¦show more content†¦As the play progresses, Blanche’s act starts to crack and her past is uncovered through the symbolism of cleansing and music. Blanche’s habits start to become more noticeable including bathing for extende d periods of time. She believes â€Å"A hot bath and a long, cold drink always give [her] a brand new outlook on life!† (Williams 128). Williams uses bathing as a representation of baptism, attempting to convey Blanche’s need to wash away her sins. She constantly tries to rid herself of her objectionable past-sexual encounters with previous men and her husband’s suicide, but it is impossible, therefore she’ll never finish her bath. During her bath time, she always seems to be singing the lyrics, â€Å"It’s only a paper moon, just as phony as it can be-But it wouldn’t be make-believe If you believed in me!† (Williams 121). The lyrics of â€Å"It’s Only a Paper Moon† represent a person imagining in a fantasy world. At this point, Blanche is losing a concrete reality to hold onto, she truly believes that the fabrication of lies lead to a better life. Throughout the play, Blanche is reminded of what happened to her husband Allan, during intense and violent situations where Blanche is greatly devastated. One of the most memorable scenes is when Stanley abuses and rapes her. When this occurs, the Varsouviana polka music starts to play in the background. â€Å" The ‘Varsouviana’! The polka tune they were playing when Allan- Wait! [ A distant revolver shot isShow MoreRelatedA Streetcar Named Desire Symbolism Essay1637 Words   |  7 PagesIn Tennessee Williams’, A Streetcar Named Desire he uses a variety of symbols to add depth to his work. It makes the readers become skeptical of the character’s real intentions, either in a positive or negative way. Without the symbols the play would not have the same effect that it does. The usage of the symbols, also adds to the play’s overall themes and the understanding of the characters, like Blanche DuBois. Blanche DuBois is one of the characters that has many layers and many secrets that sheRead More Symbolism in A Streetcar Nam ed Desire by Tennessee Williams Essay example3841 Words   |  16 PagesDuring the late nineteen-forties, it was common for playwrights such as Tennessee Williams to use symbolism as an approach to convey personal thoughts, through the attitudes of the characters and the setting. Williams actors have used symbolism to disguise the actuality of their thoughts and to accommodate the needs of their conservative audience. A Streetcar Named Desire has a few complicated character traits and themes. Therefore, they have to be symbolised using figures or images Read More Symbolism in A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams Essay810 Words   |  4 PagesSymbolism in A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams In Tennessee Williams’ play, A Streetcar Named Desire, the character of Blanche Dubois is a vivid example of the use of symbolism throughout the play. Blanche wants to view things in an unrealistic way. â€Å"I don’t want realism. I want magic†¦I try to give that to people. I misrepresent things to them. I don’t tell truth, I tell what ought to be truth†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Blanche p.117). She doesn’t want reality; instead she wishes to view a rose-coloredRead MoreEssay about Symbolism in A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams1270 Words   |  6 Pages Symbolism in A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams â€Å"Symbols are nothing but the natural speech of drama†¦the purest language of plays.† Once, quoted as having said this, Tennessee Williams has certainly used symbolism and colour extremely effectively in his play, ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’. A moving story about fading Southern belle Blanche DuBois and her lapse into insanity, ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ contains much symbolism and clever use of colour. This helps the audience to link certainRead More The Raw Power of A Streetcar Named Desire Essay example2254 Words   |  10 PagesThe Raw Power of A Streetcar Named Desire      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tennessee Williamss play A Streetcar Named Desire contains more within its characters, situations, and story than appears on its surface. As in many of Williamss plays, there is much use of symbolism and interesting characters in order to draw in and involve the audience.   The plot of A Streetcar Named Desire alone does not captivate the audience.   It is Williamss brilliant and intriguing characters that make the reader Read Morestreetcar named desire and macbeth critical lens essay1184 Words   |  5 PagesRabiha Sabir November 14, 2013 Critical Lens Essay There are many situations in life which are related to reality and they can be illusional because of your own perspective. a quote that supports this is â€Å" Reality is that which, when you stop believing it, doesn’t go away†. This quote explains that reality is something that even if you don’t believe in it or if you don’t think its true it still doesn’t go away. You can’ deny theRead MoreRomantic Essay, The Streetcar Named Desire: The Catcher In The Juliet1899 Words   |  8 Pageschosen to be apart of my portfolio are the Catcher in the Rye essay, the American rebels powerpoint, the Streetcar Named Desire essay and the Catcher In The Rye fishbowl. I chose to include the Catcher in the Rye essay because it showcased my ability to explain in detail quotes from the book and expand on one idea. I also chose this essay because I got an 82% which I believe is a good grade for a hard essay topic such as the symbolism of the ducks. In addition, I chose the Catcher In The Rye fishbowlRead MoreStreet Car Named Desire Essay2447 Words   |  10 PagesPRACTICE ESSAY truth is a mutating, subjective figure in streetcar with each of the principals having different relationship with the idea of truth How does Tennessee Williams express these relationships and what role do they have on the narrative? †¢ Make sure you think carefully about the play, details, allusions, themes of the play that you can incorporate †¢ Undermining the academics of the play †¢ Have insights from the play that leak into your own ideas and narrative Read MoreReality and Illusion in Tennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire1691 Words   |  7 PagesA Streetcar Named Desire, first published in 1947, is considered a landmark play for the 20th century American drama, bringing author Tennessee Williams a Pulitzer Prize. One of its most important themes deals with the contrast between reality and illusion. The aim of this essay is to examine how this contrast is reflected in the way the main character constructs her identity. As Ruby Cohn calls it in his essay â€Å"The Garrulous Grotesque of Tennessee Williams†, A Streetcar Named Desire is â€Å"a poignantRead MorePsychoanalytical Study of A Streetcar Named Desire Essays2039 Words   |  9 Pagesuma introdu#231;#227;o by Terry Eagleton (1994), there is a chapter dedicated to psychoanalysis and I think that some of the topics referred to in that chapter need to be mentioned here before the most important symbols found in the play A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams are discussed. One of the ideas discussed by Eagleton is that if after coming across psychoanalysis for the first time you happen to like it, it will probably become a useful tool to help you understand literature

Essay on The Sociological Perspective on Basketball

The Sociological perspective on basketball In sociology, there are 3 paradigms. There is the conflict theory perspective, the symbolic-interaction perspective and the structural-functionalist perspective. From a conflict paradigm point of view, the essay would focus on gender and how the assumption that girls lack the same level of strength and stamina as men. The WNBA (Women National Basketball League) doesn’t get the same amount of respect as the males do in the NBA (National Basketball League). Another issue could be that the NBA players have a higher annual salary than an average teacher. A structural-functionalist approach could be focused on how it creates jobs (the NBA) and academically too. Basketball could also be focused on how†¦show more content†¦How does playing basketball for a school can help a student academically in high school from a structural-functionalist perspective? You notice that playing basketball for a high school can help physically, mentally, socially, and academically. Not only do es playing basketball for a school not only build friendships between team members, but could also give them that competitive edge to become better than who they are physically and mentally. For a student to continue playing basketball for a school, he’ll have to stay in shape for the season and be able to keep the grades above average. Academically, at a college level, basketball is a good and bad thing. Majority of universities pay attention to the student skill level at the sport rather than his grades, just to ensure the schools success. Paragraph 5 = From a structural-functionalist perspective, you realize that by the game of basketball, you can build friendships easily just by having something in common like loving the game. You also notice how job opportunities can be given by playing the sport or becoming a trainer in the game and help the athletics stay in shape. By having more job opportunities, it expands the economy. From a young age, basketball can not only help you academically, but help you get into colleges. Paragraph 1 = the 3 paradigms Paragraph 2 = friendships are built thru basketball. Gyms, reck team, common love for a team or player Paragraph 3 = the job oppuritiesShow MoreRelatedA Sociological Perspective Of A Parent Playing Basketball At A Park With A Child1441 Words   |  6 PagesPicture a parent playing basketball at a park with a child, the child acknowledges the parent’s authority on rules of the game. The child begins to challenge this parent role. The interaction between the two has heated up. How do define this counter, what is this in a sociological perspective? Process and micro interactions defines our roles in society. For Example, â€Å"The very organization of the self-conscious community is dependent upon individuals taking the attitude of the other individuals.†Read MoreThe Media s Influence On Society s Attitude Toward Pointing Out An Apparent Ongoing Struggle Between Whites And Blacks1668 Words   |  7 Pagesthe news strongly influences society’s attitude towards racism. Chapter eleven in â€Å"Introduction to Sociology†, by OpenStax states that â€Å"issues of race and ethnicity can be observed through three major sociological perspectives†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (237). Interactionism is the first of these theoretical perspectives. According the book, â€Å"†¦some interactionists propose that the symbols of race, not race itself, are what lead to racism†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (237). An example of this might be if an individual whose primary source of newsRead MoreAmerican Patriotism : The Functionalist, Conflict, And Symbolic Interactionist Perspective845 Words   |  4 Pageseveryone. However, to a socialist, patriotism can be viewed within three main perspectives: the functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist perspective. A functionalist views society like one main living organism in which each part contributes to the survival of the whole. In other words, a functionalist perspective emphasizes how the parts of society are structured to maintain its stability. In this sociological approach, if an aspect of social life does not contribute to a society sRead MoreAnalysis Of Melvin Juette And Ronald J. Bergers Wheelchair Warrior1630 Words   |  7 PagesThe life story of Juette, contributes to the understanding of sport and society, reveals the American notion of social differences, and portrays sport in similar ways compared to many other books and films. This book is written in two different perspectives including the first-person point of view and the third person point of view. Juette writes three components of the book using first person. He writes Part I Beginnings, Part II Transitions, and Part III Resolutions. By using the first-person pointRead MoreSociological Imagination1391 Words   |  6 Pagesof the sociological perspective. This involves looking at a certain behavior like it has never been looked at it before. When done right one can come to a deeper level of understanding about behavior. Using your sociological imagination you are able conceptualize how a persons macro level, which consists of the larger aspects of life such as family and government, and their micro level, (which is the individual itself) combine in order form the person they are. Using my sociological imaginationRead More Symbolic Interactionism Essay1381 Words   |  6 Pagesthe sociological perspective. This involves looking at a certain behavior like it has never been looked at it before. When done right one can come to a deeper level of understanding about behavior.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Using your sociological imagination you are able conceptualize how a person’s macro level, which consists of the larger aspects of life such as family and government, and their micro level, (which is the individual itself) combine in order form the person they are. Using my sociological imaginationRead MoreRacism Is Alive By F. Wright Mills1726 Words   |  7 Pagesthat many minorities are not lucky enough to have. I have realized this by looking at my life and reflecting through C. Wright Mills’ Sociological Imagination(Lambert Lecture). I connected this to my collage through two photos. One photo is of C Wright Mills. This is because he coined the term sociological imagination and this essay was written through the sociological imagination. The second is a photo of an anti Jim Crow button. This is because I thought racism died with Jim Crow, but in reality itRead MoreWeek 1 Sociology Notes1548 Words   |  7 PagesWeek One Assignment Chapter One The Sociological Perspective The sociological perspective provides a specific view of the world. Briefly describe this perspective and the assumptions this perspective is based on. The sociological perspective puts emphasis on the social context in which people live in and how these contexts influence their lives. At the center of this perspective is the question of how groups influence people, especially how people are influence by their society. SociologistsRead MoreSociological Group Matrix Essay1689 Words   |  7 PagesUniversity of Phoenix Material Melanie Deutsch * August 20, 2012 Sociological Group Matrix Schaefer (2011) defines a group as â€Å"any number of people with similar norms, values, and expectations who interact with one another on a regular basis† (p. 111). Complete the Social Group Matrix by identifying and describing the relationship between yourself and the members of any social group you are a part of. Group description IdentifyRead MoreRacism And Aversive Racism1618 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"leap out of [their] own ancestry just to earn it’s approval† (Bryant 2014). When considered theoretically, racism is rationalized and problematized differently by various schools of sociological thought, with each also arriving at distinct methods of rectification. In this paper, I will examine the perspectives of non-Marxist Conflict Theory, Structural Functionalism, and Symbolic Interactionism on these aspects of anti-black racism, and make the case for the strength of the explanatory power

An Inspector Calls In this Play the inspector plays various roles Essay Example For Students

An Inspector Calls: In this Play the inspector plays various roles Essay In this Play the inspector plays various roles. He plays a socialist as he is against capitalist views and because he is not just looking out for himself but others as well. Also he is known to be a catalyst as he brings a split in the Birling family. He plays a ghost as we find out he is not real. Additionally he plays a fraud because he is not a real inspector, but he does act as an Inspector. The inspector adds a great deal of tension and drama to the play. Priestley does this because he brings tension between the younger generation consisting of Sheila and Eric and the older generation consisting of Gerald, Mrs. Birling and Birling because of the inspector. Priestley uses the inspector as a substitute of him self to put his socialist points across this adds drama because we have to think about what he is trying to do. The four Birlings and Gerald are happily seated around the dinner table having an enjoyable night celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagement. All of them are feeling happy and are comfortable and relaxed and do not seem to have a care in the world but all of that is about to change. The scene is set in 1912, which is a pre war time. Also this is the time when the suffragettes were fighting for womens rights. Additionally this was the time that the Titanic was built. The unsinkable ship, which ironically sank, would set sail in a weeks time. The life that the Birlings live is very nice and easy but Priestley is showing how great things always end in disaster like the evening they are having. This is also ironic as he starts by telling us how the Titanic was unsinkable and it ended and just like he will go on to tell us how the Birlings lives are good at the moment but this will soon come to an end. The story does have some relevance to the early nineties even if the novel it was written in 1945. All these points are there to remind us of how not all good things last and how we should all look out for each other and not just for ourselves. An example is We are members of one body, said the inspector. This shows us that the inspector is enforcing the point of being part of one community and that we should look out for one and other. This also shows the link of how the inspector could just be Priestley in another form such as a ghost. I believe that Priestley is reminding us to look out for each other just in case any major wars happen and we have to rely on each other so thats maybe why he is enforcing this. When the inspector first enters the stage the atmosphere changes but not a great deal on first sight of the inspector. The inspector does not appear to be a big man but he does make him self appear strong and confident. He gives an impression that he will destroy them if they toy with him. Sheila changes the way she thinks and decides from now on she is going to be good. She has come to this decision as a result of the influence the inspector has had on her. His socialist views have been understood by Sheila and have changed her because she is going to start to care for other people. For example whoever that inspector was it was anything but a joke. You knew it then. You began to learn something. And now youve stopped, said Sheila. This shows us that the Inspector really has influenced Sheila and she has learnt something from what he is trying to say. Also she is showing the divide between the Birlings when they find out the inspector was not real as they now will not take responsibility for the death of Eva Smith but the youngsters will. The Inspector creates a split between the family by dividing the younger and older generations. Many have paralleled Sylvia Plath's novel, The Bell Jar, to her very own life EssayPriestley puts across message of capitalism verses socialism as he shows the Inspector, the socialist saying how we should not be like a capitalist but more like a socialist and care for one another. The inspector is a socialist as is Priestley and have socialist views. They are against capitalism, as they do not feel you should just earn a living for money and for yourself but you should help other people. The inspectors name is a pun for ghoul. This then leads us to believe that the inspector does not exist. He is some sort of ghost or phantom who is a nightmare to the Birlings. The Birlings have other beliefs that prove the inspector does not exist like Gerald. He finds out from another police sergeant from the county force that there is no one like or called the inspector they had met. In addition, the older generation seem to think it is all a hoax. For example Its a hoax of some kind, said Gerald. This shows that the older generation thinks it is some old fool playing a trick on them causing a scandal. There is nothing wrong with them believing this as they now have evidence that the inspector really is not an inspector but a fraud but that is only if he really does exist which is unknown to everyone. It could also show that the inspector is a bad ghoul playing tricks on family to have fun. He seems to know about he future because he knows what will happen to Eva Smith that no one else knows about, which may give the audience an idea that he is not a human being. He is another type of life such as a spirit that does not exist in our world, as it is virtually impossible to predict the future. He does make the Birlings scared of him as he breaks them down one by one leading them to confess. This may also show why he is a ghoul because he is scary. The inspector being a ghoul makes the audience more interested in the story because there is no obvious thing at the beginning of the story that gives him away but we all have our suspicions and this leads to tension as we want to continue to view the play to find out whether our suspicions were correct or not. This is another aspect that makes the play so good and again it involves the truth hidden behind the inspector. The inspector had an enormous affect on the Birlings. He caused them to fall out with each other and go against each other. From all what he told them the only people that actually learnt their lesson was the younger generation. The elders did not as when they found out the inspector was a fraud they were celebrating so what the inspector said went through one ear out the other. I think the family could get back to how they were before but it would be on Sheila and Erics conscience that they once helped lead a girl to suicide. Priestleys over all message in this story was we are all part of one community and we have to look after each other rather than just looking out for ourselves. If one person is affected in the community than all of us are. That is what Priestleys over all message is. I believe the over all role of the inspector was to play a substitute of Priestley to get Priestleys messages across to the audience and the Birlings. The Inspector has many hidden messages in him. He plays so many different roles and the he himself makes the whole story. He makes you think and puts across the messages, which to me is the point of the book. He is very effective and adds a great deal of drama.

Sinas Story Multidimensional Approach in Understanding of Human Behavior

Through the Dimensions of Person, Environment, and Time Attempting to gain a deeper understanding of human behavior, scientists have developed a multidimensional approach that includes observation of such influential factors of human life as person, environment and time.Advertising We will write a custom coursework sample on Sina’s Story: Multidimensional Approach in Understanding of Human Behavior specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Although in reality those factors are inseparable from each other, it is possible to focus on them separately, and later on superpose them in a well-ordered image of one’s behavior. An ideal case to analyze using multidimensional approach is the story of Sina (as presented in Hutchinson 2007), a woman who survived through the changing conditions of the time and the environment owing to her excellent personal characteristics. From the dimension of person, Sina appears to possess an ideal com bination of qualities to go through the hardships of her life. Biologically, her body is fit enough to survive the challenges of bearing five children in the extreme conditions of famine, hard toil, infectious diseases, and the stress of escape. Despite all that, Sina still has enough milk to feed her children and enough energy to run through the jungle. Her psychological qualities also contribute to her success: being able to control emotions, Sina directs her mental efforts at finding the optimal way-out from the seemingly hopeless situation. Using her persuasive leadership skills she convinces the whole family of the necessity to risk the escape; and once being in the USA, she uses her quick cognitive abilities to learn the language and adapt to the new reality (Hutchinson 2007). The latter could not be possible without her determined yet flexible spiritual self: together with possessing a strong inner pivot and feeling of justice that did not allow Sina to put up with her misery , she is adaptable enough to integrate into the US society and accept its language, educational and even values.Advertising Looking for coursework on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Environment is the factor that continuously puts Sina to the test. For one thing, her physical environment constantly changes: from the comfort of her suburban life she is moved to the middle of nowhere to work in the rice fields; then she flees through the jungle and lives in a UN camp, to gain final comfort in the US suburban house (Hutchinson 2007). The social institution of family is a strong supporting factor for Sina: surrounded at first by a large group of extended family, she loses many of her relatives during the hardship times, but the ones who survive maintain close contact and provide emotional support to each other. It appears that due to personal characteristics of both, Sina and her husband have changed social roles: whil e Sina acts as a strong determined head of the family, her submissive partner is on the verge of a nervous breakdown ever since action was taken to resist the unfavorable life conditions. Social relations also alter, as Sina gains more support from the state social services in the US and even receives financial help from a sponsor. US environment lets Sina develop herself in the spheres of education and work and reveal her leadership skills in practice. Time is another decisive factor in Sina’s life: it seems that time speeds up and slows down depending on the life circumstances. Sina demonstrates a bright example of fast acculturation as she merges with the US society. She also experiences abrupt shifts in her life when evacuation, escape and resettlement occur. She is able to efficiently survive those shifts due to her time orientation to the future: confessing that immigration to the US was necessary for the future of her children, Sina demonstrates an opposition to her hu sband’s time perception that is directed to the past (Hutchinson 2007). The combination of personal, environmental, and time dimensions is decisive for success or failure in the challenges of life.Advertising We will write a custom coursework sample on Sina’s Story: Multidimensional Approach in Understanding of Human Behavior specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Sina’s story appears to be a perfect example illustrating how those three factors interact and determine the course of one’s existence. Therefore it is crucial to foster the knowledge of those dimensions for a better understanding of human behavior. References Hutchinson, Elizabeth D. (2007). Dimensions of human behavior: Person and Environment (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications. This coursework on Sina’s Story: Multidimensional Approach in Understanding of Human Behavior was written and submitted by user Hezekiah Valenzuela to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.