A Streetcar Named Desire: Symbolism of Belle Reve

Questions and Answers

What does the name 'Belle Reve' literally mean in French?

Beautiful dream

Belle Reve is seen on stage in the play.

False

What does the name 'Belle Reve' reveal about Blanche's perception of her past?

It is idealized and not as perfect as it may be portrayed by Blanche.

Tennessee Williams moved from _______________________ to St Louis as a child.

Mississippi Signup and view all the answers

Match the following literary works with their descriptions:

Belle Reve = A representation of the old south lifestyle The Cherry Orchard = A play by Anton Chekhov A Streetcar Named Desire = A play by Tennessee Williams Signup and view all the answers

The character of Blanche is comfortable with the noisy and crowded environment of Elysian Fields.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the name "Elysian Fields" in the play?

A final resting place for heroes and the virtuous in Greek mythology Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the "blue piano" in the play?

The blue piano expresses the spirit of the life which goes on in Elysian Fields, and Williams employs use of aural techniques to enhance certain areas of the play, express uniqueness, and cultural richness. Signup and view all the answers

The outside world of Elysian Fields visually ______________________ Blanche's fate.

foreshadows Signup and view all the answers

Match the following descriptions with the correct location:

Belle Reve = Emblem of old Southern values and wealth Elysian Fields = Emblem of new American values and multiculturalism New Orleans = A place of decay and corruption Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Belle Reve

Symbolizes a privileged existence and the old South lifestyle that Blanche longs to return to
Represents an idealized and elevated status, with white columns pointing towards heaven
Never seen on stage, highlighting the idea that Blanche cannot return to this way of life
The name "Belle Reve" has a grammatical error, suggesting that it may not be as perfect as it seems

Tennessee Williams' Inspiration

Williams moved from Mississippi to St. Louis as a child, mirroring Blanche's move from Laurel to New Orleans
His mother was a southern belle who struggled with psychological problems and lost social status, influencing his sympathetic view of the South

Literary Influences

Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard" parallels with Belle Reve, both representing doomed and extravagant existences
Social realism critiques power structures and socio-political conditions of the working class
Inspiration from Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House" critiques the position of women and the negative outcome of blindly following a husband

New Orleans

Emblem of new American values and contrasting with Belle Reve's life of wealth and extravagance
Linked to Stanley's presentation as a stereotypical American working-class man
"Raffish charm" and "white frame, weathered grey" descriptions contrast with Belle Reve's grandeur
The use of aural techniques, like the blue piano, enhances the cultural richness and uniqueness of the setting

Elysian Fields

A complete opposite of Blanche's upbringing, with noise, chaos, and decay
"Raffish charm" and oxymoron descriptions romanticize the decayed city and present it positively
Links to death, suggesting Blanche should have let go of the past with Belle Reve
"White frame, faded grey" foreshadows Blanche's deterioration, and the absence of doors between rooms highlights class differences and Blanche's inability to hide her secrets