Italicized Statements

When analyzing a literary text, it is important to take into account the genre of the text itself. Tennessee William’s “A Streetcar Named Desire” is a play and therefore contains specific stage directions and perhaps even set design descriptions within the text. Even if one isn’t reenacting the play but merely analyzing the content of the play, the directly stated set designs, sounds, and stage directions still play an important role in understanding the content of the play on a deeper level.

In terms of describing set design, the entire first page is dedicated to portraying the scene. William’s use of surroundings and environment is important because it gives us indications to the social and economic class of Elysian Fields. Additionally, Williams places a large emphasis on color and lighting in order to highlight aspects of his characters. For example, “He crosses to dressing table and seizes the paper lantern, tearing it off the light bulb, and extends it toward her. She cries out as if the lantern was herself” (116). This single action shows us how Blanche likes the paper lantern rather than the sharp naked bulb as it creates an illusion of something beautiful, which in turn translates to how Blanche wants to deny the fact that she will age physically.

The italics also describe sound, which impacts the mood and tone of the scene. For example, when the polka music begins to play the tension rises. Evidently, the italicized directions play a larger role than merely putting life to the text. When Blanche’s actions are italicized we as the reader look at them in a different light; for example, when she is in the bathroom and begins to sing and dance frantically (30).

Character development depends on the usage of stage directions and interaction with the set. Blanche’s gradual transition into insanity is indicated by “the shadows and lurid reflections move sinuously as flames along the wall spaces” (159). The diction and imagery is tied in the stage directions, a great example of how literary terms apply to stage directions just as much as they do if you were to find them directly in non-italicized text. Clearly, the italicized statements provide the reader with critical information rather than just material to help visualize the play.

Clemson University supports my idea that the italics impact of the setting during the play. The italics are an indication to the actors that they need to stress the specific word, in an attempt to change the tone of their scene. Despite the fact that the audience is unaware of which words are italicized, they indicate that the playwright had a certain intention for their use in the play, which causes us to think about how it impacts the central purpose or theme of the play. Evidently, italics are far more than a mere grammatical element, but rather play a large role in impacting the play, almost as much as a literary element would.