Is it a drama? Is it a tragedy?

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A drama and not a tragedy As Blanche leaves the Kolwaskis´ house, she becomes a tragic figure as she depends on the kindness of strangers and is saluted by the men at the poker table. In spite of this, we cannot classify the play as a tragedy, Greek tragedy demanded for its main theme the downfall of a great man due to his pride but in the case of A Streetcar named Desire, Blanche falls gradually and in the end, she achieves some dignity. Williams allows Blanche to show that dignity of someone who has nothing else to lose, who stands completely alone, unacquainted of the fate that awaits her. The effect that Williams got was also to diminish the other characters in front of her. The writer pulls off a stunning coup de theatre with great success. (Coup de theatre: French term that means a sudden startling turn of events)


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