Critical Essay StructureS5 HIGHER

Choose a play which deals with a disturbing aspect of human life such as injustice, unfulfilled ambition or disappointment.

Briefly explain the nature of this disturbing aspect and discuss how the dramatist’s presentation of it contributes to your appreciation of the play as a whole.

Choose a play which deals with a disturbing aspect of human life such as injustice, unfulfilled ambition or disappointment.

Briefly explain the nature of this disturbing aspect and discuss how the dramatist’s presentation of it contributes to your appreciation of the play as a whole.

A “disturbing aspect of human life” is theme

You could choose any: what would you choose for Streetcar?

a disturbing aspect of human life

Link to what you know about:

Plot

Character

Set / Stagecraft

Structure / Key Scenes

Symbolism

Climax

Other themes: O+NA, D+R, D+D (but not for the sake of it)

a disturbing aspect of human life

Blanche’s:

Disappointments D+R

Loss of reputation and status D+R

Loss of love D+D

Loss of self-control / self respect D+D

Isolation / loneliness D+D

Fundamental loneliness of all characters -??

Cruelty within families – tenuous link to O+NA

Misogyny – tenuous link to O+NA

1. Briefly explain the nature of this disturbing aspect

This is to put it into context for the examiner and to keep you on task.

2. discuss how the dramatist’s presentation of it contributes to your appreciation of the play as a whole.

This is where you relate it to plot, character, setting, atmosphere, key scenes, tension, theme etc.

Try to make this natural: don’t force in other knowledge for the sake of it.

Choose a play which deals with a disturbing aspect of human life such as injustice, unfulfilled ambition or disappointment.Briefly explain the nature of this disturbing aspect and discuss how the dramatist’s presentation of it contributes to your appreciation of the play as a whole.

My introductionTennessee Williams’ play “A Streetcar Named Desire”, focuses on the impact on Blanche Dubois of the loss of love. Through the course of the play, we can see the extent to which this leaves Blanche exposed, vulnerable and, ultimately, destroyed.

disturbing aspect of human life

Line of thought

Choose a play which deals with a disturbing aspect of human life such as injustice, unfulfilled ambition or disappointment.Briefly explain the nature of this disturbing aspect and discuss how the dramatist’s presentation of it contributes to your appreciation of the play as a whole.

Taskplan an essay explaining 1. how “loss of love” etc works as a theme in the play and 2. how the play makes Blanche’s loss of love etc disturbing.

Look for three areas: probably beginning / middle / end

Tennessee Williams’ play “A Streetcar Named Desire”, focuses on the impact on Blanche Dubois of the loss of love. Through the course of the play, we can see the extent to which this leaves Blanche exposed, vulnerable and, ultimately, destroyed.

My Plan

Beginning: Blanche trying to cover up her chaotic, lonely past makes her vulnerable: early stages of Stanley’s suspicion

Middle: revelation of Allan’s death and how her life has gone wrong both from B (Sc 4) and Stanley (Sc 7). His total lack of sympathy / understanding. Stella still on her side and developing relationship with Mitch.

Turning Point: Sc 9 loss of Mitch: leaves B totally exposed. Only Stella left.

End: Rape / planned destruction by Stanley. Stella rejects her – final loss of love, B is destroyed mentally.