Destruction of the Old South in Tennessee Williams’ – A Streetcar Named Desire

Tennessee Williams’ play, "A Streetcar Named Desire" is one of the most controversial plays mainly due to its depiction of the society after the Second World War. The theme of social conflict is symbolically portrayed in the play. Both Blanche, the main actor and Belle Reeve, Blanche’s family property that was seized by creditors, showcase the final destruction of the Old South. The play explores the destruction of the aristocratic family tradition that was linked to the American South before the Second World War. Many Southern States in the USA thrived on agriculture. However, as industrialization spread in the 20th century, agricultural workers shifted industries implying landowners had land but no workers. Belle Reeve, Blanche’s family home in Laurel, represents the plantations in the South that were adversely affected by industrialization. Indeed, after the death of several family members, including Blanche's mother and sister, Blanche could no longer keep the family property afloat hence the seize.

Additionally, industrialization further saw changes in the workforce as more women, immigrants and black laborers joined various industries creating an urban middle class. Indeed, while Blanche criticizes her sister’s and her husband, Stanley, living standards, it is evident that the couple is doing much better than Blanche who has recently lost her job as a teacher, her husband who killed himself and the family property. Therefore, Stanley Kowalski, an immigrant, represents the new urbanization that was replacing the aristocracy of the South. Despite the changing circumstances, Blanche holds on to the values and beliefs of the old refinement of the South. Despite having gone to school and secured employment as a teacher, Blanche envisions a future where she is married to a wealthy man who takes care of her. She values her beauty above all since she assumes it is her license to a successful marriage. Therefore, Blanche is stranded at the crosswords where urbanization and industrialization are replacing the aristocracy of the South, which leads to her ultimate destruction.