Importance Of The American Dream In Tennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire

The basic element of the American Dream is the freedom of the possibility to obtain whatever you dream of. These dreams are usually of a materialistic nature; the dream to own property and to be financially secure. They also can refer to the freedom of education and expression without censorship. To achieve this dream, it is believed that you must work hard and remain modest and consistent.
In Tennessee Williams’ play, A Streetcar Named Desire, Blanche Dubois symbolizes the failure of the grandiose American Dream.

The “American Dream” idea, born from war and depression, was the opening window to hope for Americans. This new beginning inspired change in people, and in some, inspired greed. The overconfidence and blind optimism grew in many, often in people who had already come from a place of privilege and wealth—people who expected their dreams to appear in front of them with little effort on their behalf. Williams believed these behaviors and values were destined for failure, and he successfully portrayed said beliefs through Blanche. Blanche represents the unravelling of the dream because despite her strong desire and determination, her unrealistic expectations and delusions caused her to spiral downwards into a pit of despair.

Before learning much about her, Blanche is

In the opening scene, Williams designed Stella to be the complete contrast of her sister, Blanche. Stella was a genuine, disarming woman with simple dreams, her name reflecting that of her likeable nature—extraordinarily bright. Stella’s benign and diplomatic nature is especially highlighted when compared with her older sister, portraying her in a positive light and gaining sympathy from the audience. This character is juxtaposed with the false dreams of Blanche to highlight the attainable, realistic dreams that Williams’ believed Americans could