The Symbolism of Music in A Streetcar Named Desire

TLDRThis video explores the symbolism of music in the play A Streetcar Named Desire, including the blue piano, the song 'It's Only a Paper Moon', the Varsouviana polka, and the plantation Belle Reve. These musical motifs represent themes of sadness, illusion, destruction, and the loss of a refined way of life.

Key insights

🎹The blue piano symbolizes sadness and tragedy in the play.

🌙The song 'It's Only a Paper Moon' represents Blanche's reliance on illusion and hiding the truth.

💃The Varsouviana polka symbolizes desired destruction and death that haunts Blanche.

🏰The plantation Belle Reve represents the loss of a refined way of life for the characters.

💔The music motifs highlight the characters' struggles with truth, illusion, and the hardships of life.

Q&A

What does the blue piano represent?

The blue piano represents sadness and tragedy in the play. Its music is often heard during poignant moments.

What does the song 'It's Only a Paper Moon' symbolize?

The song 'It's Only a Paper Moon' represents Blanche's reliance on illusion and hiding the truth about her sexual escapades.

What does the Varsouviana polka symbolize?

The Varsouviana polka symbolizes desired destruction and death that haunts Blanche, starting with her husband's suicide.

What does the plantation Belle Reve represent?

The plantation Belle Reve represents the loss of a refined way of life for the characters, particularly for Blanche.

What do the music motifs reveal about the characters?

The music motifs highlight the characters' struggles with truth, illusion, and the hardships of life, shaping their actions and emotions throughout the play.

Timestamped Summary

00:09The motifs of the blue piano, the song 'It's Only a Paper Moon', the Varsouviana polka, and Belle Reve set the mood and themes of the play.

00:26The blue piano suggests the blues mournful music often written in response to life's hardships and tragedies.

01:03The song 'It's Only a Paper Moon' reflects Blanche's struggles with truth versus illusion and finding true love.

01:40The Varsouviana polka symbolizes desired destruction and death that haunts Blanche, starting with her husband's suicide.

02:09Belle Reve, the plantation, represents the loss of a refined way of life and affects the characters differently.

02:31Blanche clings to traditional southern values associated with Belle Reve, while Stanley sees it as only a financial loss.

02:42The characters' reactions to Belle Reve reveal their attachments and attitudes towards tradition and the past.