Quest for Identity in Tennessee Williams “The Streetcar Named Desire”

Noorbakhsh Hooti

Abstract


The 20th century generation, especially the one, which finds itself drowned in the oozy ocean of the Second World War trauma, is reluctant to show any kinds of belonging to the existing perturbed world. It finds its soul and mind fettered and shackled in the dark dungeon of alienation. This sense of alienation creates nothing more than nostalgia for the days, which are no more. This study is an attempt to have deep journey into the disturbed and alienated worlds of the characters of Tennessee William’s ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, which are in constant quest for identity. The study tries to display the tragic plight by presenting a contrast in Blanche’s life. Earlier in her life, she had been a gentlewoman, whereas the action of the play shows her gradual disintegration into an aging destitute, who has become alcoholic and nymphomaniac. The study tries to fulfill its purpose through two worlds represented by Blanche's parental home at Belle Reve and her sister’s home at New Orleans.
Key words: Alienation; Identity; Disintegration; Nymphomania; Nostalgia

References


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