Explore the methods Williams uses to create dramatic tension for an audience in 'A Streetcar Named Desire'.

Williams creates dramatic tension in 'A Streetcar Named Desire' through the interactions between the important characters in the play, such as the conflict between Blanche and Stanley, and their contrasting styles of communication. The first instance of this occurs in the second scene. Blanche is bathing, whilst Stanley questions Stella about the loss of Belle Reve, referring to the so-called "Napoleonic code". As an audience, we sense the tension being created when he says "And …showed first 75 words of 751 total…

…showed last 75 words of 751 total…result of which is developing tension, to be released in the climax of the scene. The locomotive also has connotations of fate, in that, like the streetcar, it can only travel on one line, and in one direction, to one destination. Also, the locomotive's headlight illustrates Blanche's fear of exposure; she crouches and shuts her ears whenever it approaches, in an attempt to shield herself from the harsh reality, also creating tension. S. Hattersley (May 2002)