https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k Made with a dash of wit en-us 2020-04-08 18:12:43 UTC 2020-05-10 23:41:48 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/26f2.png kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/499373265 - Tennessee Williams began his playwright career at a very young age, publishing his first work at 16 when he won a local essay contest in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. He later went on to attend the University of Missouri but ended up moving and graduated at the University of Iowa in 1939. Williams then moved to New Orleans where he received location inspiration for many of his future plays. His success as a playwright encouraged him to move to Hollywood and become a full time screen-writer. ]]> 2020-04-08 19:10:17 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/499373265 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/499375019 - Ironically, the play was named after an actual streetcar service available in New Orleans and Williams himself liked the name. Additionally, the iconic Bourbon Street in New Orleans celebrates this book and many of William's other works in an annual five-day parade to honor the late playwright. ]]> 2020-04-08 19:11:35 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/499375019 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/499375304 - This play is set in the suburbs of New Orleans in the early 1950's. It begins with friends Eunice and Stella who live in the same building and have developed a friendship over the years. Stella lives with her husband Stanley and receive an unexpected visit from Stella's sister, Blanche. ]]> 2020-04-08 19:11:49 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/499375304 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/499375600 - I chose to read this book because of how much I enjoyed William's previous work, Sweet Bird of Youth. I also quite enjoy the personal interactions and dialogue found within plays. ]]> 2020-04-08 19:12:01 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/499375600 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/499376197 - I'm very excited to begin reading this book, William's professionalism and maturity in A Sweet Bird of Youth was very endearing, so I'm hoping for a similar experience with this play. As plays are often easy to read, there is a lot to dissect from the continuous dialogue between the characters, such as identifying themes and symbols through text citations. ]]> 2020-04-08 19:12:23 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/499376197 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/506477987 - The setting of a suburban neighborhood outside New Orleans is quickly symbolic of wealth and social status between the two sisters, Blanche and Stella. This is Blanche's first visitation to her sister's new home and she is amazed to find her sister is living in a 'less wealthy' part of the city. Blanche has never strayed outside the family's private plot of land and isn't accustomed to living in close proximity to strangers, she is shocked to see how much her sister has changed in recent years. Despite Blanche's criticism, Stella is proud of her home and could be symbolized as her hard work to be able to afford a house of her own. I would love to visit New Orleans and see the old fashioned homes that surround the historic city.]]> 2020-04-14 14:16:06 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/506477987 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/506479198 - Since this piece of literature is a play and used for dramatic purposes such as performing on a stage, there is no consistent narrator. There are stage directions that lay out a current scenario or actions of one of the characters. Instead of a narrator in share details with the audience. the characters do this through dialogue. I think that the dialogue makes the drama more enjoyable to read because their lines are very expressive and animated and you can really imagine certain scenes being performed between characters. ]]> 2020-04-14 14:16:34 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/506479198 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/506479370 - The character that I have decided to analyze is Miss Blanche DuBois. She is a very materialistic woman who is quite misunderstood due to the distant relationship she has formed with her sister over the years. Blanche is depicted as a very anxious but also honest character, depending on the relations she has with others. To her sister Stella, she's very needy and nervous. But, when conversing with her brother-in-law Stanley, she is a more honest person and minimizes her 'prissy' attitude. ]]> 2020-04-14 14:16:38 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/506479370 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/506479533 “ You messy child, you, you spilled something on that pretty white lace collar!": The collar in this text could actually be symbolized as a ‘white collar’ lifestyle, one in which Stella herself doesn’t live in, but her sister Blanche does. This quote reminds me of the current financial struggles that millions of people are experiencing now due to the pandemic. Issues have arisen due to the stimulus package and how it should be distributed to the wealthy and poor throughout our economy. It is also similar to how money is an important aspect to the stability of millions of family, especially now. ]]> 2020-04-14 14:16:43 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/506479533 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/506600225 How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) - James Taylor 

"There’s so much- so much confusion in the world… Thank you for being so kind!  I need kindness right now."

- Blanche is disturbed and confused to learn the reality of modern couples within society, it’s difficult for her to understand that fights between couples are simply normal. She confides in her new friend Mitch who is very understanding and explains the turn of events to her. Blanche begins to catch feelings for Mitch through his kindness and compassion which he displayed to Blanche. This song is all about admiring the special person in your life who never fails to ‘turn your frown upside down’. 

]]> 2020-04-14 15:02:43 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/506600225 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/509494545 You Can't Do That - The Beatles 

"Poker should not be played in a house with women.”

- This line was repeated twice within 3 pages of dialogue to emphasize the underlying issue between a man and wife with differing interests. Poker and drinking was the catalyst to the outlandish behavior between Stella and Stanley and brings out the worst in both of them. Their scuffle raised tensions and caused someone to be injured along with trust to be questioned. This song is very straightforward and reminds me of the dialogue said by some of the fight spectators. 

]]> 2020-04-15 21:56:17 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/509494545 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/509496266 Rich Girl - Daryl Hall & John Oates 

"Oh, let me think, if only my mind would function! We’ve got to get hold of some money, that’s the way out!”

- Blanche has once again demonstrated how she relies on money as her escape from reality and an ‘easy way out’ during difficult situations. She is accustomed to consistently depending on money and her family fortunes to alter certain circumstances within her life, now spreading this behavior to her sister. ]]> 2020-04-15 21:57:56 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/509496266 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/509497738 Vienna - Billy Joel 

"I know how it helps your morale just having a little pocket-money on you.”

- This quote is quite condescending but also a very realistic approach to how Stella should deal with her money hungry sister. Stella understands how much her sister relies on money for both its value and her personal reputation. The lyric, “You’re so ambitious for a juvenile” pairs well with the dynamic relationship between the two sisters and their conflicting morals and normal lifestyles. 

]]> 2020-04-15 21:59:27 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/509497738 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/509499693 I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues - Elton John

“It isn’t enough to be soft. You’ve got to be soft and attractive. And I’m fading now! I don’t know how much longer I can turn the trick.”

- In this quote, Blanche is the most vulnerable and personable that she has ever been portrayed. She lives every moment with her guard up and is reluctant to hear criticism or distaste about her decisions. This is the most her character has developed throughout the whole play, being able to admit some of her downfalls and insecurities shows growth. This song is all about understanding the impacts paired with feeling upset about the present.]]> 2020-04-15 22:01:08 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/509499693 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/509501963 Home - Phillip Phillips

“I like to wait on you, Blanche. It makes it seem more like home.”

-This quote displays the strong bond embedded deep within the two sisters with polar opposite personalities and different paths of life. It also reveals that despite a growing distance between the two, Stella still has a soft spot for Blanche- no matter the circumstances. To Stella, the presence of Blanche reminds her of their childhood and the comfort of home with it, just like this song choice.]]> 2020-04-15 22:03:05 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/509501963 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/509502823 Good Day Sunshine - The Beatles 

“The little there is of sincerity belongs to people who have experienced some sorrow”

-To begin, I love this quote. It was really powerful and touching when I read it and definitely shows a softer side to Blanche’s tough exterior. I believe that for the time she’s stayed with her sister, her perspective on life has become more optimistic. Blanche displays a more compassionate side to her personality despite the sorrow of her past. This quote also reveals more details of Blanche’s past such as dealing with the passing of certain family members and having to rely on herself when times got tough. This song is so cheerful and happy and reflects more growth and understanding within Blanche’s character. ]]> 2020-04-15 22:04:01 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/509502823 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/509503931 Somebody to Love - Queen

“I’m going to do something. Get hold of myself and make myself a new life!” 

- This quote is all about Blanche's efforts to essentially 'restart' her life with new morals and understanding for people around her. She is unhappy with the person she has become in recent years and was inspired by her sister Stella to begin anew. Hopefully this refreshing cleanse will alter Blanche's stream of consciousness and attitude toward the world .]]> 2020-04-15 22:05:14 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/509503931 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/521178861 Money is a very prominent symbol used throughout the play and has been active in every scene thus far. Money separates the two main characters who spent their childhood together but eventually grew apart due to different life paths with varying incomes and accessibility to money. The money symbolizes both happiness and a burden especially in Blanche's life - the main character. She has relied solely on her family's fortune to get by and never have to display any hard work or dedication. On the other hand, her sister Stella has a full time job and enjoys working and making an income for her family and is proud of her accomplishments done with the presence of her family's fortune. Blanche consistently seems unhappy despite her once lavish lifestyle and lives each day with the overbearing thought of 'more money, more problems.']]> 2020-04-21 18:59:20 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/521178861 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/521179455 The contrast is strong between two unlikely paired characters who share uncommon interests and distaste for each other. The only commonality between Blanche and Stanley is her sister and his wife, Stella who tries her beat to ease the tension between the two.  Blanche comes from a wealthy family and a relatively easy upbringing, Stanley has never had an "easy" life and works hard every day to earn a simple living. He is very critical of Blanche's attitude and naive behaviors, even speculating that she stole some of her riches, " Pearls! Ropes of them! What is the sister of yours, a deep sea diver?" Blanche has remained oblivious to his comments despite making statements such as, “Oh, let me think, if only my mind would function! We’ve got to get hold of some money, that’s the way out!” The two in-laws are incapable of ever understanding each other which leads to a hateful and toxic environment. ]]> 2020-04-21 18:59:36 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/521179455 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/521179683 Direct dialogue is vital to the structure of this play, simply because it is the only written substance that the readers are given. Paired with stage directions, the dialogue of every character in any situation is key to understanding the mood, tone and even an underlying message in an interaction. Within this play, the playwright relies heavily on dialogue that is often very honest and blunt between characters, moments filled with tension and stress are very detailed with stage directions and often the best place to extract quotes from. Williams does an excellent job of pairing tension filled altercations with very direct and specific dialogue that contain many elements such as possible symbols, underlying themes and additional information to fill certain plot points - essentially further extending the understanding of the play for the readers. ]]> 2020-04-21 18:59:42 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/521179683 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/521179879 Within this play, there are almost no instances of a character talking to themself or displaying a solid stream of consciousness. A majority of the thoughts and feelings expressed by the characters are conveyed through interactions and described actions through stage directions. For example, “she wasn’t expecting to find us in such a small place. You see I try to gloss things over a little in my letters." this was said behind Blanche's back and reveals an almost "secret" world that the married couple were living. Stella was indirectly sharing information about her living status to her posh sister trying to avoid her visiting, which ending up being unsuccessful. ]]> 2020-04-21 18:59:48 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/521179879 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/521180102 The pacing throughout all scenes are very fast and equally consistent. The speed is also due to how quickly certain interactions can easily be flipped upside down and perceived in a different format or attitude. The constant dialogue between characters leaves plenty of room for any misunderstandings or honesty to be conveyed and cause tension in a short matter of time. This fast paced storytelling also depicts personality traits about certain characters, such as short tempers or a strong-willed behavior. Additionally, the quick pace in which the playwright has chosen to write this play adds to the instability of relationships that are consistently displayed in all dialogue and interactions. ]]> 2020-04-21 18:59:54 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/521180102 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/563560456 2020-05-10 23:22:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/563560456 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/563561346 I've learned that just because an individual is blessed with a lump sum of money, that doesn't mean they live a more fulfilling life than others. By reading this play, I've recognized that it is in fact the opposite - money diminishes ones happiness. The character who exemplifies this lesson the most is Blanche DuBois who is a materialistic southern belle that is unfamiliar to a middle class lifestyle but must conform her beliefs as her sister Stella has selflessly brought her into her home. ]]> 2020-05-10 23:23:13 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/563561346 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/563561577 This theme ties in with current world events because economic issues are at the epicenter of the negative impacts from the pandemic. As people are confined to their homes with a small amount of income for financial support, they are finding comfort and developing a new perspective on the world despite these difficult times. This pandemic has shifted people's opinions to now consider family time as a source of happiness instead of dollar signs. ]]> 2020-05-10 23:23:28 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/563561577 kp02185 https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/563571988 This play is important for an individual to read because it teaches them how to appreciate more of the world that surrounds them. This recognition could even be small things such as interactions with strangers, more time with family and to be grateful for those around you. I believe that a majority of people's mindsets nowadays are purely based on expensive objects with no person value or interest. I think that by reading this play that an individual will understand how living a life of glamour filled with dollar signs isn't always the most desirable path to life your life. ]]> 2020-05-10 23:35:39 UTC https://padlet.com/kp02185/k4dyld3jpw1k/wish/563571988