A Streetcar Named Desire- Question Structure

A Streetcar Named Desire- Question Structure

1. The Assessment Objectives

   • AO1
     • Terminology and written expression
       • Try to employ a range of terms across different elements of language and literature
         • Phonology
           • Consonance/ assonance/ sibillance/ fricative/ plosive
         • Word choice
           • Noun/ verb/ adjective/ adverb/ preposition etc.
             • Try not to just use 'noun'- consider the type e.g. abstract noun, dynamic verb, post-modifying adjective
         • Figurative language/ imagery
           • Metaphors/ extended metaphors
             • Consider the imagery linked to Blanche's name- death, surreal, decay- compared to that of Stanley and Stella
               • Click the paperclip for a mind map on names in Streetcar
                 • A Streetcar Named Desire- Names
           • Similes
         • Sentence mood/ structure
           • Declarative/ imperative/ interrogative/ exclamative
           • Short/ minor sentences, multi-clausal sentences
             • These are often good to compare- Stanley's monosyllabic elliptical sentences and Blanche's elaborate multi-clausal sentences
           • If you're totally unsure on how to describe the quote you're using, state the sentence mood- e.g. 'declarative'- rather than just 'sentence'
         • Turn taking/ length of turn
           • Upwards/ downwards convergence/ divergence
             • Note the lack of accommodation on Blanche and Stanley's part
               • Represents the conflict between the Old South and New America
   • AO2
     • Analysis and evaluative comments
       • While you are given an extract to consider, you should also look for examples throughout the play- look for nuances and subtleties that you can comment on, such as symbols and motifs
       • Ensure that you look at alternate readings of a quote
         • Some quotes will have different connotations to a contemporary audience compared to an audience at the time
         • Some quotes hold a certain ambiguity- they could be interpreted in multiple ways, so comment on this
   • AO3
     • Context
       • Play/ theatricality
         • Remember to acknowledge that Streetcar is a *play*, not a novel- it doesn't have chapters, it has scenes; characters are seen and heard, so consider costume, symbols and sounds.
           • Click the paperclip for mind maps on theatricality ^
             • A Streetcar Named Desire- Theatricality in Blanche
             • A Streetcar Named Desire- Theatricality in Stanley
       • Williams' life
         • Williams often included elements of his own life in his work, such as his homosexuality and family life
           • Click the paperclip for mind maps on biographical and historical context
             • A Streetcar Named Desire- Context Quiz
             • A Streetcar Named Desire- Context
       • Historical context
         • The Civil War, the Second World War, and women's rights all play a role in this work, amongst other factors, so be sure to acknowledge their influence
       • Things to remember
         • Make sure you use context 'consistently'
           • Every paragraph needs to have contextual information that is relevant to your point
         • Don't just add any old context at the end of your paragraphs
           • e.g. Williams presents Stanley's soldier mentality as a form of entrapment. Also, Williams had a sister called Rose.
             • For this example, a better piece of context would be a link to the influence of WW2, which occurred just 2 years prior to the play
           • Make it relevant to your point and integrate it into your response

2. The introduction

   • Present your argument linked to the steer
     • When you first read the question, consider synonyms for your stee
       • E.g. male dominance- superiority, control, power, authority, command
   • Place the extract in context
     • What has just happened? This could be in the previous scenes, or literally just before the extract
   • Suggest Williams' possible intentions or messages within the extract
   • Add some contextual information, however try to save the good stuff for your paragraph

3. The paragraphs

   • 1. Topic sentence
     • Include a sentence which references your argument linked to the steer
   • 2. Evidence from extract
     • Bring in evidence from the extract- don't be quick to dismiss the resource they've provided, they provided it for a reason!
   • 3. Link to other parts of the play
     • Include a link to another part of the play, preferably in a different scene
       • The examiners want to see your knowledge of the play, and that won't happen if you only mention one scene
   • 4. Context
     • Include *relevant* contextual information in every paragraph, be it biographical, historical, situational, political or cultural
       • The mark scheme mentions consistency with context, so be consistent with it! Integrate throughout your paragraphs, ensuring its relevance and that it aids your argument
   • 5. Purpose/ message
     • Consider why Williams would include this moment in the play, and why he uses the language he does
   • 6. Return to the question steer
     • Always link back to the question steer to highlight that you have in fact been discussing it, especially if you have an obscure or subtle argument