Ambiguity and final choice: Reader's response in a Streetcar Named Desire

Abstract

Applying Stanley Fish's Reader-response criticism, the article analyses the two protagonists, Blanche and Stanley, in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire from reader's perspective. The article holds that readers in appreciating the play are divided into two sides: one showing their sympathy and support on Blanche, while the other standing aside with Stanley. However, their attitudes towards their "heroine" and "hero" are not always certain and firm. It is caused by the ambiguities created by Williams for misleading readers in their appreciation. Until in the last scene do readers finally make clear these ambiguities and realize writer's true intention. The article also points out the reasons why Williams intentionally created ambiqutities in his most famous work. © 2014 ACADEMY PUBLISHER Manufactured in Finland.