What is the critical perspective on A Streetcar Named Desire?

A critical perspective on "A Streetcar Named Desire" often emphasizes themes of desire, mental illness, and the clash between reality and illusion. Critics analyze Blanche DuBois's tragic struggle against her past and societal expectations, highlighting how her fragility is exacerbated by the brutal environment embodied by Stanley Kowalski. The play also reflects the decline of the Old South and the rise of a more raw, industrialized America, showcasing the tension between old values and new realities. Additionally, feminist critiques examine gender dynamics and the representation of female vulnerability and strength within a patriarchal framework.