Literary Devices
The audience knows something the characters don't, creating tension, suspense, or humor.
Dramatic Irony
He is rude, prejudiced and Helen’s new husband; he contrasts sharply with the tolerant man who cares for Jo.
Peter
This New Orleans setting, described as “raffish charm,” reflects the mix of cultures and signals the play’s realism.
What is Elysian Fields?
Explain the lamp/light in ASCND
Hidden troubles. Age, problems, truth
Jo's drawings
Her personality, past, talents, dreams.
What effect do the words ‘Anaesthesia, amnesia, hypnosis’ create? Name the device.
Alliteration
This character is Jo’s artistic, kind friend who offers support during her pregnancy.
Who is Geoff?
This character’s dominance, physicality and poker nights embody raw, working-class masculinity.
Who is Stanley Kowalski?)
Explain the meat in ASCND
primitive, savage, provider.
Helen's wedding ring
New future, life. An escape from the cycle of poverty.
Juxtaposition
the fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
"the juxtaposition of these two images"
How does Shelagh Delaney use the contrasting relationships of Jo with her mother Helen and with Geoff to explore changing ideas of family and support in post-war Britain?
Delaney contrasts Helen’s neglectful, self-absorbed “traditional” mothering with Geoff’s nurturing, non-judgmental care of Jo. This reversal challenges 1950s norms about who can provide family support, showing how unconventional bonds can be more reliable and compassionate than blood ties.
This fragile object, belonging to Blanche, is smashed by Stanley and represents her inner world of illusion.
What is the paper lantern?
Blue piano
In Tennessee Williams' play A Streetcar Named Desire, the "blue piano" is a musical motif that signifies the "spirit of life" and the vibrant, multicultural atmosphere of New Orleans, while simultaneously representing depression, loneliness, and longing for love
Jo's flower bulbs
They represent her fragile hope for a better life which ultimately fails.
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a narrative device where an author gives hints or clues about events that will occur later in a story.
This recurring image in the play symbolises her attempts to escape or express her inner world.
What are Jo’s sketches / drawings?
Tragic event from Blanche’s past —(love related)
What is Allan Grey’s suicide after Blanche discovered his homosexuality?
Blanche's relationship. Dead husband. Gay husband.
Peter's cigar
It represents his masculinity .
It is a comparison between two unlike things that continues for several sentences, paragraphs, or even an entire work.
Extended metaphor
This theme runs throughout the play, showing the characters’ struggle against poverty, prejudice and unstable family structures.
What is social marginalisation / hardship / lack of belonging?
Explain these motifs: Varsouviana and Blue piano or Jazz.
Varsouviana Polka = Blanche’s inner trauma about Allan Grey’s death (plays in her mind whenever she recalls the event).
Blue Piano / Hot Jazz = Stanley and the vitality of New Orleans (earthy, sexual, aggressive).
Elysian fields
Elysian Fields, also known as Elysium, is a concept from Greek mythology referring to a paradise in the afterlife for heroes and the virtuous.