Climax - a Streetcar Named Desire

CLIMAX - A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Question : - Choose a play in which there is a scene which provides a clear climax to the drama. Briefly describe the events of the scene and then go onto show to what extent the scene you have described seems to you to be important in dictating the final events of the play.

Paragraph 1 : Introduction a) name of text and playwright

b) brief description of what the play is about

c) explain why the text is suitable for the question

d) explain what you are going to be doing in the rest of the essay.

e.g. “A Streetcar named Desire” was written by Tennessee Williams. The play charts the confrontation between a Southern belle Blanche Du Bois and her arrogant brother in law Stanley Kowalski. Scene Ten of the play provides a clear climax to the drama as Blanche is brutally raped by Stanley whilst his wife Stella is in hospital giving birth to his son. Ironically, the rape incident itself, happens off stage, but it is certainly important in dictating the final events of the play.

Paragraph 2 :- Scene Ten is undoubtedly important in dictating the final events of the play as the rape symbolises Blanche’s final descent into madness.

Find examples of how her madness is clearly portrayed in Scene 11. Remember to analyse them.

e.g. 1 Paper Lantern

e.g. 2 hiding during the poker game

Indeed, the rape undoubtedly symbolises reality in the form of Stanley defeating the world of illusion as characterised by Blanche.

Find examples of how Stanley’s defeat of Blanche is conveyed in Scene 11. Remember to analyse them.

e.g. 1

e.g. 2

Paragraph 3 :- In addition, Scene Ten is further important in dictating the final events of the play as the rape dictates that Blanche must leave.

Explain why this is the case.

Explain why this form of resolution is effective:-

e.g. 1

e.g. 2

e.g. 3

This form of resolution is also important in the play as Blanche going away also means that order can be restored:-

e.g. 1

e.g. 2

e.g. 3

Paragraph 4 :- Moreover, the climax of the rape scene is also important in dictating the final events of the play as it undoubtedly symbolises a fitting end not only for the character of Stanley, but also for the character of Stella.

Stanley e.g. 1

e.g. 2

e.g. 3

Stella e.g. 1

e.g. 2

e.g. 3

Paragraph 5 :- Conclusion a) Reiterate main points of essay

e.g. - In conclusion, it is clear that the climax of “A Streetcar named Desire” occurs when Blanche is brutally raped by Stanley at the end of Scene Ten. This climax undoubtedly dictates the final events of the play, as the rape not only causes Blanche’s final descent into madness and means that she has to leave Stanley and Stella’s apartment, but it also allows Williams to restore order, whilst at the same time ensuring a fitting ending for the characters of both Stanley and Stella.