A Streetcar Named Desire
Shelley Lugo
Theme
A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams conveys the theme of restrictive gender expectations in the 1940s.
How Stanley conforms to his gender roles
● He considers himself the provider and the head of the household.
● He’s dominating and controlling.
● Expects his wife to respect him.
How Stella conforms to her gender roles
● She depends on her husband.● She stays at home, cooks food, and takes care of
Stanley.● Stella obeys her husband.
How Blanche doesn't conform to her gender expectations
● Blanche is not married.
● She slept with many strangers.
● She’s independent because she had a job. Women weren’t expected to work back then.
Consequences of Restrictive Gender Expectations
● If a man or woman broke his or her gender roles, they were punished by society.
● They weren’t viewed as a respectable person.● They would have a bad reputation in society.
How have gender roles changed over the years?
● Women are more independent. They are getting married later in life. They also make up about 50 percent of the workforce.
● Men are also staying home and taking care of their children.
Sources
DiSchiavi, Michael. "Tennessee Williams' Women in a Man's World." The Gay & Lesbian Review Worldwide. 15.4 (2008): 18. Literature Resource Center. Web. 10 July 2013.
"Evolving Gender Roles Explored at Anne Roe Lecture." Harvard Graduate School of Education. 24 Nov. 2008. Web. 14 July
2013.
Williams, Tennessee. A Streetcar Named Desire. New York: New Directions, 1980. Print.
Woolway, Joanne. "An overview of A Streetcar named Desire." Drama for Students. Literature Resource Center. Web. 10 July 2013.
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