"They told me to take a streetcar named Desire." Ambiguous for half a dozen reasons, Tennessee Williams' famous line from his third play 'A Streetcar Named Desire' (1947) brings testimony to the contemporary style that he has been loudly acclaimed for. Hopeful dramatists have often imitated this mysterious, unique style, which ultimately reflected the turbulent life he followed. He had a great passion for drama, creating many plays in his lifetime. Williams was championed as one of America's greatest New Age playwrights, despite the underlying darkness of his works. (Prof's comment: Excellent Intro)
             Williams' life was colorful from the outset. A disorderly childhood began when he was born as Thomas Lanier Williams in Columbus, Mississippi, on March 26, 1911. He spent most of his youth in St. Louis. After intermittent attendance at the University of Missouri and Washington University, he eventually acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa in 1938. Williams then spent the next seven years at various odd jobs until he got a breakthrough on the Broadway scene as the author of 'The Glass Menagerie' (1945). After the overwhelming successes of 'A Streetcar Named Desire,' 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' (1954) and several other plays including 'Night of the Iguana' (1961), Williams found himself unable to repeat the success of most of his early works. In his memoirs, he recounts his problems with drugs, alcohol, and his homosexuality. He died in New York City, February 25, 1983. Williams wrote brilliant literature to escape his private drama, that of his life.
             Williams has written many dramas. Most of his works portray neurotic people who are victims of their passions, frustrations, and loneliness. His impressive array of plays and short stories ranges from 'Battle of Angels' (1940) to 'Eight Mortal Ladies Possessed' (1974). 'The Glass Menagerie' has been labeled 'an evocative "memory play."' It was filmed in 1950 and has r...