Here's a breakdown:
* Time: The play is set in the late 1940s, likely around 1947, although the exact year is not specified. This post-World War II era was a time of significant social and economic change, with a growing focus on consumerism and a shift in values.
* Place: The play primarily takes place in a run-down apartment building on Elysian Fields, a working-class neighborhood in New Orleans. The setting is described as "a two-story building, a faded, once-elegant mansion...which has been divided into apartments."
* Atmosphere: The play's setting contributes heavily to its themes of decay, desire, and the clash between the past and present. New Orleans is a city known for its hot, humid climate, vibrant nightlife, and strong sense of tradition, all of which play into the play's atmosphere.
* Specific Locations: The play includes several key locations:
* Blanche's apartment: This is the main setting where most of the play's action takes place.
* Stanley's apartment: This apartment is next to Blanche's and is in stark contrast to her own, reflecting the difference in their lifestyles and values.
* The French Quarter: This is where Blanche visits the bar, the "Blue Moon," seeking companionship.
* Stella's apartment: This is where Blanche eventually seeks refuge from the chaos and ultimately faces her downfall.
The setting of "A Streetcar Named Desire" is not merely a backdrop but actively shapes the characters' actions and the play's overall themes.