To what extent, and in what way, does Williams portrayal of modern society help create sympathy for Blanche and her actions?

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To what extent, and in what way, does Williams' portrayal of modern society help create sympathy for Blanche and her actions?

'A Streetcar Named Desire', as described by Arthur Miller, is a 'cry of pain'. The message that resonates within the play is modern society has a 'crying, almost screaming need' to get to know themselves and each other a 'great deal better'. Williams has a 'tortured view of the world' and of society, and this is evident in his portrayal of Blanche and the characters around her.

Although Blanche lies and is extremely promiscuous, she is seen more as the protagonist of the play and is portrayed as a victim. When the audience first sees Blanche, she is dressed in 'white', the colour of purity. Her 'delicate beauty must avoid strong light' and her 'uncertain manner' 'suggests a moth'. From the very beginning, Blanche is portrayed as fragile and extremely vulnerable. Her appearance totally contrasts with the setting of the play and makes her seem out of place and out of time. Life in New Orleans has 'a raffish charm', and there is an 'atmosphere of decay'. The audience cannot help but take pity on Blanche, whose