Symbolism in A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams Essay

Symbolism in A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee WilliamsIn Tennessee Williams play, A Streetcar Named Desire, the character of Blanche Dubois is a vivid shell of the use of symbolism throughout the play. Blanche wants to view things in an unrealistic way. I dont want realism. I want magicI gauge to give that to people. I misrepresent things to them. I dont tell truth, I tell what ought to be truth (Blanche p.117). She doesnt want earth alternatively she wishes to view a rose-colored version of life that goes along with her old-fashioned southern belle personality.Blanche doesnt want to face the reality of her problems. She wants everything to be softened and dense for her, just as the light is softened and dimmed by the shade. Light often symbolizes truth, which is why she doesnt like to stand in an illuminated room. She hides from reality and lives in a world of her own creation. I cant stand a naked bulb, any more than I can a rude remark or a vulgar action (Blanche p.55 sce ne 3). She had bought a little colored paper lantern to put it over the light bulb, so the room could get that mysterious touch that she wanted. Soft people have got to shimmer and glow- theyve got to put on soft colors, the colors of butterfly wings, and put a paper lantern over the light It isnt enough to be soft. Youve got to be soft and attractive. And I-Im fading now I dont see how much longer I can turn the trick (Blanche p. 79 scene 5). Blanche can al...