Coursework questions have been approved by the moderator so you must seriously be reading the play with your chosen question in mind. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of independent, additional reading on the subject of modern American domestic tragedy and also alternative viewpoints on Streetcar. PLEASE go to the school library where you will find a lot of wonderful resources. By reading more widely you will give yourself the best chance of producing a piece of coursework that is both well-informed and engaging. Remember, generic answers are GCSE level, you must be constantly probing and aiming for analysis that is relevant to the question, thoughtful and demonstrates an ability to spot and comment on the nuances (subtleties) of the text.
Some key points to note concerning domestic tragedy:
- An important feature of domestic tragedy is the slow revelation of information to the audience. The audience then works out why particular characters behave the way they do.
- Consider the way Williams' is continually building towards the tragic climax of the play through his presentation of Blanche (refer to your character profiles: her fragile physical descriptions, her constant need to bathe, her drinking, her desire for illusion and the symbols associated with this particularly the Chinese lantern).
- Also consider how the characters interact on stage. The tension that is mounting between Blanche and Stanley is set in motion from Scene 1. Again, consider how this develops and use this to show your understanding of how, in a domestic tragedy, information is revealed slowly to the audience.
- Finally you should comment on the dramatic effectiveness of this slow relevation of information. Obviously by working towards a climatic episode or denouement (French word for the point at which things become clear in a text) Williams' instils a certain 'shock' value for his audience and thus the cathartic impact is heightened.
- Modern domestic tragedies tend to be 'issue-led.' This means that the tragedy looks at a particular issue and examines its effect on the central characters. Consider what the main 'issues' are that propel Streetcar and importantly how these issues effect Blanche, Stanley, Stella and Mitch. Be aware that most modern domestic tragedies focus on the anti-hero (tragic heroine in the case of Blanche) who do not quite fit the society in which they are involved. Again, consider how Blanche is a misfit in her society (note the differences in her clothes, how she speaks, the things she says that reveal her social status, her mental instability etc).
- Modern domestic tragedies can still have the same effects on the audience as those identified by Aristotle, but they also cause the audience to question established systems, principles and assumptions about life. Consider the ways in which Williams presents the horror and tragedy of modern life, the sense of loneliness and alienation that pervade his characterisation of Blanche and Mitch.
- Structurally, in a domestic tragedy, you should expect to see much more emphasis on exactly what the set should look like, as well as on costume, sound, lighting, stage directions and how particular sections of the text are to be spoken. In your coursework discuss these features and their effects. Also note the section on the blog on plastic theatre and how the elements of stagecraft intensify the impact of the tragedy we see unfolding on stage. To gain the highest marks at AS you must show an awareness and appreciation of Williams' dramatic methods. Thus, a discussion of stagecraft is mandatory whichever question you choose.
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