A Street Car Named Desire by Tennessee Williams

Course Overview
This course will provide an in-depth analysis of A Streetcar Named Desire to meet curriculum and exam criterions. We will start with a brief introduction to the historical context of the play and the genre of melodrama, before focusing on the themes and motifs that drive the play. The student will then be guided through careful analysis of the play, including guided annotations which will help the student to not only pick up on literary devices employed, but the effects of the devices individually and in tandem.

We will focus on form, structure, tone and devices atypical of a play. A special focus will be given to the impact of characterization, dialogue and stage directions. In depth character analysis will help the student gain a deeper understanding of the characters, their motivations and how their depictions help the play further the plot. Moreover, we will highlight how themes such as appearance vs reality, masculinity and social class disparity are presented in the play.

We will also pay special attention to literary analyses in written form, and as such the student will be guided and coached to be able to compose their own detailed literary analyses and written arguments. Focus will be given to key quotes, themes, motifs and literary devices throughout the text. By the end of this course, students will have a greater understanding of A Streetcar Named Desire and be able to apply their knowledge confidently to analyze and write about the work, while meeting curriculum criterions.