1. Light vs. Darkness:
* Light is often associated with Blanche's romanticized past and her yearning for beauty and illusion. She craves the "magic" of light and prefers dimly lit rooms to hide her age and imperfections. She says, "I don't want realism. I want magic!"
* Darkness represents the harsh reality of Stanley's world, the decay of the French Quarter, and the brutal truth that Blanche cannot escape. Stanley is associated with the "animal" world, and often the play utilizes harsh lighting, symbolizing the bleakness and the decay of the characters' lives.
2. The Streetcar:
* The streetcar is often used to represent a journey from a past ideal to a harsh present. Blanche arrives on the streetcar, symbolizing her arrival into this new reality, and the play ends with the streetcar taking her away, representing her descent into madness and her escape from Stanley's world.
3. The "Paper Lantern":
* This specific symbol is present in the scene where Blanche and Mitch share a moment of intimacy. The paper lantern casts a soft glow, suggesting a momentary escape from reality and a chance for connection. However, this moment is ultimately short-lived and leads to further disillusionment.
4. Light as a Metaphor for Truth:
* Throughout the play, the harsh light of Stanley's world gradually strips away Blanche's illusions. She is ultimately exposed and unable to maintain her facade.
5. The "Polack" (Stanley's name):
* The name "Stanley" is a derivative of "Stanislaus," which can be interpreted as "a stone that stands." Stanley is the embodiment of the harsh reality and the "stone" that crushes Blanche's dreams. He is often associated with darkness and the destruction of light.
Ultimately, the "light" in "A Streetcar Named Desire" is a complex and multi-layered symbol, representing the conflict between illusion and reality, beauty and decay, and the fragile nature of hope in a harsh world. It is through the interplay of light and darkness that the play explores the themes of desire, delusion, and the loss of innocence.