In this written paper I am going to deal with the topic of soft people in Tennessee Williams’ dramas. First I will give a general introduction to the quality of soft people. It will be explained what kind of characters are described with this term. A general characterization of them, of the other characters and the general idea and image of the world which is created in Williams’ dramas will be given. Afterwards the results will be specified at the examples of four characters belonging to the category of soft people. At the end of this paper I will give a personal evaluation of the conception of the soft people.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The character categories in Williams' plays
- Southern Belle
- Rebel dreamer-failer
- Naive, healthy yea-sayer
- Brutal and coarse man
- Average American
- The image of the world in Williams' plays
- Characterization of the category of soft people
- The inner selves of the soft people
- Soft people and their need for help
- Soft people and other characters
- The outward appearance of soft people
- The inner selves of the soft people
- Specified analysis of different "soft people"
- Laura
- Tom
- Blanche
- Brick
- Comparison
- Illusion and mental disposition
- Abuse of alcohol
- Dispel of problems and lying
- Isolation
- Youth and time
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to examine the "soft people" in Tennessee Williams' plays. It will define this character category, contrasting them with other character types within Williams' dramatic world. The analysis will focus on specific examples to illustrate the characteristics and experiences of these "soft people," ultimately offering a personal interpretation of their significance within Williams' works.
- Defining the "soft people" character type in Tennessee Williams' plays.
- Contrasting "soft people" with other character types (e.g., brutal men, average Americans).
- Analyzing the internal and external characteristics of "soft people."
- Exploring the role of illusion and escapism in the lives of "soft people."
- Examining the societal pressures and challenges faced by "soft people."
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis of "soft people" in Tennessee Williams' plays. It outlines the paper's scope and methodology, promising a characterization of "soft people," a description of other character types within Williams' plays, and a contextualization within the overall worldview presented in his dramas. The introduction clearly states the intention to analyze four specific characters as examples of the "soft people" category and to conclude with a personal evaluation of this character type.
The character categories in Williams' plays: This chapter utilizes Francis Donahue's categorization of character types in Williams' plays. It introduces five categories: the Southern Belle (a fragile, pathetic woman unable to cope, belonging to the "soft people" category), the rebel dreamer-failer (also a "soft person," characterized by failed rebellion and living in illusions), the naive, healthy yea-sayer (an example being Stella, who finds compensation for her husband's brutality in his sexual potency), the brutal and coarse man (represented by Stanley and Big Daddy), and the average American (represented by Mitch and Jim O'Connor, who are neither exceptionally strong nor weak). The chapter emphasizes that the first two types belong to the category of "soft people," setting the foundation for a deeper analysis in later chapters.
Keywords
Tennessee Williams, American drama, character analysis, "soft people," Southern Belle, rebel dreamer-failer, illusion, escapism, societal pressure, fragility, coping mechanisms.
FAQ: Analysis of "Soft People" in Tennessee Williams' Plays
What is the overall focus of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes the "soft people" character type in the plays of Tennessee Williams. It defines this category, contrasts it with other character types in Williams' works, and examines specific examples to understand their significance within his dramatic world.
What character categories are identified in Williams' plays, and how are they defined?
The paper uses Francis Donahue's categorization, identifying five types: the Southern Belle (fragile, pathetic, a "soft person"), the rebel dreamer-failer (a "soft person" characterized by failed rebellion and illusions), the naive, healthy yea-sayer (compensating for hardship), the brutal and coarse man (e.g., Stanley Kowalski), and the average American (neither exceptionally strong nor weak).
What are the key characteristics of the "soft people" character type?
The "soft people" are characterized by fragility, a tendency towards illusion and escapism, and struggles with societal pressures. They often exhibit a need for help and display specific coping mechanisms.
Which characters are analyzed as examples of "soft people"?
The paper specifically analyzes Laura, Tom, Blanche, and Brick as examples of "soft people," examining their internal struggles, external appearances, and commonalities.
What are the key themes explored in the comparison of the "soft people"?
The comparison of these characters focuses on their use of illusion, mental disposition, alcohol abuse, problem avoidance and lying, isolation, and the impact of youth and the passage of time.
What is the methodology of this analysis?
The paper employs a character analysis approach, using specific examples from Williams' plays to illustrate the characteristics and experiences of the "soft people". It offers a personal interpretation of their significance within the context of Williams' overall dramatic worldview.
What are the objectives of this paper?
The paper aims to define the "soft people" character type, contrast them with other types, analyze their internal and external characteristics, explore the role of illusion and escapism in their lives, and examine the societal pressures they face.
What are the key words associated with this analysis?
Key words include Tennessee Williams, American drama, character analysis, "soft people," Southern Belle, rebel dreamer-failer, illusion, escapism, societal pressure, fragility, and coping mechanisms.
What is included in the table of contents?
The table of contents includes an introduction, sections on character categories in Williams' plays, the image of the world in his plays, characterization of "soft people" (internal and external aspects), specified analysis of Laura, Tom, Blanche, and Brick, and a comparative analysis of several key themes.
How does the paper conclude?
The paper concludes with a personal interpretation of the significance of the "soft people" character type within Tennessee Williams' body of work. This interpretation is informed by the detailed analysis presented in the preceding chapters.
- Quote paper
- Maritta Schwartz (Author), 1999, The "soft people" in Tennessee Williams plays, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/5115
