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A Streetcar Named Desire

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1947

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Book Brief

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Tennessee Williams

A Streetcar Named Desire

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1947
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

New Orleans, Louisiana • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

1947

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

NP0L

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Super Short Summary

In Tennessee Williams's play A Streetcar Named Desire, Blanche Dubois arrives at her sister Stella's home in New Orleans, where she clashes with Stella's husband, Stanley. Blanche's troubled past surfaces, causing tension. Stanley eventually exposes her secrets, leading to conflict and Blanche's mental breakdown. Sensitive topics include sexual violence and mental health issues.

Dark

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Melancholic

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.3

319,374 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire is lauded for its intense characterizations and poignant exploration of human fragility. Critics praise the complex dynamics and psychological depth but note that its depiction of gender roles and mental health may feel dated to modern audiences. Overall, it remains a powerful and essential piece of American theater.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Streetcar Named Desire?

Fans of complex character studies and Southern Gothic themes will appreciate A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. This reader enjoys the psychological depth of characters in works like Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and the social commentary found in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

4.3

319,374 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Blanche DuBois

Blanche is a former English teacher and Stella's older sister who arrives at Elysian Fields with a desire to maintain appearances and conceal parts of her past. She is described with delicate, moth-like qualities and has a penchant for literature and the arts.

Stella is Blanche's younger sister, married to Stanley, and mother to their newborn child. Her life in New Orleans offers a stark contrast to her upbringing, and she often finds herself between her sister and her husband.

Stanley is Stella's husband, characterized by his loud and stubborn personality, and works in a physically demanding job. His dislike for Blanche is clear, and he exerts considerable control over the household.

Mitch is a friend of Stanley's who becomes romantically interested in Blanche. He stands out from his friends due to his more sensitive and caring nature.

Eunice is the Kowalskis' upstairs neighbor and landlord who is supportive of Stella and plays a role in household matters. She has occasional conflicts with her husband, Steve.

Steve is Eunice's husband and a friend to Stanley. He participates in the household's social activities, including poker games.

The Mexican Woman is a street vendor who appears in a pivotal scene, selling flowers and singing, which impacts Blanche. Her presence creates an atmospheric moment within the play.

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

New Orleans, Louisiana • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

1947

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

NP0L

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