A Streetcar Named Desire is a famous play that tells of how a former Southern belle, Blanche DuBois, slowly loses her sanity. Due to a series of losses and lack of financial resources, Blanche travels from Laurel, Mississippi to move into a shabby old apartment in New Orleans with her younger sister (Stella Kowalski) and violent brother-in-law (Stanley Kowalski). Blanche dislikes Stanley for his low upbringing and rough personality, while Stanley is suspicious of Blanche’s deceptive motives. The story shows the events that lead up to the crumbling of Blanche’s self-image and identity. Set in the late 1940s after World War II, the play is known as one of Tennessee Williams’ most famous plays, showing the decline of illusion and magic in the face of reality. As the play progresses, readers find themselves drastically shifting their view of her from sympathetic to vain and snobbish. The audience learns how Blanche’s traumatic past continues to affect her current behavior and lead to her demise. 

   I enjoyed how the lighting was used as a symbol throughout the play. The main character, Blanche, often avoids appearing in direct, bright light in front of others. She does this in order to prevent people from seeing the reality of her fading beauty and youth. Light also symbolizes the harsh reality of her past. A bright light has represented her youthful innocence, while poor lighting shows her maturity and disillusionment. Blanche’s inability to tolerate light reflects how her grasp of reality is also nearing its end. 

   I also liked seeing the similarities between the author, Tennessee Williams, and all the various characters of the play. Alcoholism, depression, thwarted desire, loneliness, and insanity were part of the author’s world. Williams’ experience as a known homosexual during a period of time that was unfriendly towards homosexuality also affected his works. Stanley Kowalski is a character that was likely based on William’s own father and the other males who tormented and hurt him in his childhood. Blanche’s unstable mental situation is a reflection of the author’s sister, Rose Williams, who suffered from a mental illness (schizophrenia) and underwent a prefrontal lobotomy. 

   I disliked the continued toxic and abusive relationship Stella and Stanley had throughout the play. While it is clear he abuses her, she chooses to stay with him to ensure she is not homeless or left in poverty. I wished Stella could have left that relationship and found another way to support herself both financially and emotionally. Stanley also never faces the proper consequences for his actions. 

   I would recommend this book to other teen readers who enjoy reading plays written in a straightforward and down-to-earth style. However, it is important to be aware of the adult themes and rather controversial topics in A Streetcar Named Desire, such as rape, suicide, sexuality, domestic abuse, and alcoholism; some may even view this play as vulgar and sinful. Although there are many disputable topics and events in the play, it is famous for being staged as a ballet, made into a movie, and performed on Broadway.

Check out A Streetcar Named Desire from NBPL!