A Streetcar Named Desire.

        Another major political change around that time was the civil rights movement and Martin Luther King Jr. In A Streetcar Named Desire it is difficult in pinpointing William’s view and the message (if there is one) on the racial groups. This is due to two-separate viewpoints. It could be argued that Williams means very little in regards to the racial groups of America through, firstly the minority of the role and the fact that the only black character is regarded as Negro Women. Personally I feel this would not be the case due to Williams’s references, and seemingly political stance and message he sent out to America about homosexuality. Ignorance and hypocrisy to this degree would lead to an image of Tennessee promoting a tiered society. It is far more likely that he wished to enlighten America to the hugely diverse population that it holds. He does this through setting the play in a unique city regarded as a focal point for diversity. The diversity is evident through the large number of cultures and races e.g. African-Americans, Polish and their influence on many aspects of society e.g. music namely jazz and blues. He also emphasises this point directly with the inclusion of Stanley being of Polish decent and the character of the Negro woman. Once again it seems we see Tennessee’s personal stance through the confrontation between the racial mix (Stanley) and once again the American dream (Blanche). Like with the Plot there was a sub-plot, here there are underlying issues of the day Tennessee mentions and possibly opposes. Firstly we have the social standings of the individual sexes. Stanley being powerful and Stella somewhat submitting to this difference in status. His views and depictions of the characters are highly idealistic (strong, masculine male (Stanley) compared to the weak and feeble female (Blanche)) in the representation of the male dominated society, which like racial issues, began to be challenged and overturned by the female. Another underlying issue that was starkly challenged was that of domestic abuse through the verbal abuse and threats Stella endured turning into sexual abuse Blanche endured which, due to the threats of Stanley (the dominant male) Blanches cries were unheard like many of the period.