Gender Conflicts in the Dramas of Tennessee Williams

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Theories on Gender
• Theories on Conflict
• Gender Conflicts
• The Cultural Background of the Plays - The United States South
  • Historical Background of the United States South
  • Southern Culture and Identity
  • Gender Roles in the South
• Southern Culture in the Dramas of Tennessee Williams
  • Southern Culture and Identity as a Source of Gender Conflicts in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
  • Southern Culture and Identity as a Source of Gender Conflicts in A Streetcar Named Desire
• Sexuality in the Dramas of Tennessee Williams
  • Sexuality as a Source of Gender Conflicts in A Streetcar Named Desire
    • Blanche
    • Stella and Stanley
  • Sexuality as a Source of Gender Conflicts in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
    • Big Daddy
    • Mae and Gooper
    • Brick and Maggie
• Homosexuality in the Dramas of Tennessee Williams
  • Gender Conflicts Related to Homosexuality in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
    • Brick's and Skipper's Relationship a Source of Conflict for Maggie and Brick
    • Brick's and Skipper's Relationship as Source of Conflict for Big Daddy and Brick
  • Gender Conflicts related to Homosexuality in A Streetcar Named Desire
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis explores the representation of gender conflicts in the dramas of Tennessee Williams, focusing on the plays "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." The main objective is to examine how these conflicts are rooted in the cultural and societal context of the American South, particularly in relation to established gender roles and their impact on characters' relationships and choices.

• The role of Southern culture and identity in shaping gender expectations and conflicts.
• The impact of traditional gender roles on characters' actions and relationships.
• The exploration of sexuality, including homosexuality, as a source of conflict in the plays.
• The portrayal of female characters and their struggles within the patriarchal structures of the South.
• The representation of male characters and their complex relationships with gender expectations.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: Introduces Tennessee Williams' work, highlighting the controversy surrounding his themes of sexual deviation and the potential connection to gender conflicts. It discusses Williams' personal life and how his upbringing and experiences shaped his writing, particularly the influence of Southern culture and Puritanism.
• Theories on Gender: Explores the concepts of gender and sex, distinguishing between biological and cultural constructions. It examines the theory of biological determinism, which suggests that gender differences are rooted in biological factors.
• Theories on Conflict: Briefly outlines various theories on conflict, providing a theoretical framework for understanding the conflicts explored in the following chapters.
• The Cultural Background of the Plays - The United States South: Delves into the historical, cultural, and social context of the American South, analyzing its influence on Williams' plays. It examines the historical background of the South, its cultural identity, and the specific gender roles prevalent within that society.
• Southern Culture in the Dramas of Tennessee Williams: Examines how Southern culture and identity serve as sources of gender conflicts in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "A Streetcar Named Desire." This chapter analyzes the specific ways in which cultural norms and expectations contribute to the tensions and conflicts within these plays.
• Sexuality in the Dramas of Tennessee Williams: Explores the role of sexuality as a source of gender conflicts in both plays. It examines the complexities of sexual desires, including homosexuality, within the context of Southern societal norms and expectations, and their impact on the characters' lives and relationships.
• Homosexuality in the Dramas of Tennessee Williams: Examines the presence of homosexuality in Williams' plays and how it contributes to gender conflicts. The chapter focuses on the specific examples of Brick and Skipper's relationship in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and its impact on the characters' interactions and dynamics.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis explores the intersection of gender, culture, and conflict in the dramas of Tennessee Williams. Key themes include the influence of Southern culture and identity, traditional gender roles, the exploration of sexuality, including homosexuality, and the portrayal of both male and female characters navigating societal expectations.