|Biography and Background| |Cat on a Hot Tin Roof| |The Glass Menagerie| |A Streetcar Named Desire|

Biography and Background

Perspectives in American Literature: Tennessee Williams
This site lists primary and extensive critical works. Scroll down for study questions for "Portrait of a Madonna." Material at this site may not be appropriate for some students.

Tennessee Williams: Exploring the American Dream from the American Masters series, PBS
Three thematic components: (1) an examination of the lyric form and mythology, (2) exploration of the dramatic form, and (3) an examination of the American Dream. Each is addressed and developed within a social critical perspective that resonates with many of the playwright's major works.

When Autobiography Isn't
This analysis refers to the plays as they reflect not just Williams but America.

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Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
This 12-page document addresses 70 vocabulary words drawn from the play. Requires Adobe Reader or compatible application for access.

The Glass Menagerie

The Glass Menagerie
This SCORE guide presents six activities designed for grades 11 and 12.

The Glass Menagerie
This 14-page document addresses 73 vocabulary words drawn from the play. Requires Adobe Reader or compatible application for access.

The Glass Menagerie
Biography, summary, vocabulary, extensive ideas for writing and discussion, analysis of symbols, interdisciplinary post-reading projects, a list of other works by Williams, a bibliography, and a list of Web resources. This 23-page document was designed to support the L. A. Theatre Works recording of the play. It requires Adobe Reader for access.

The Memory Play in American Drama
"Students will examine the concept of memory, first from a personal perspective, and then as an element of modern American drama." This lesson uses The Glass Menagerie.

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A Streetcar Named Desire

Fractured Families in American Drama
"This lesson explores the complicated dynamics of families, as portrayed in American drama." It uses A Streetcar Named Desire and O'Neill's Long Day's Journey into Night.

A Streetcar Named Desire
Characters, plot, themes.

A Streetcar Named Desire Study Guide
Vocabulary and questions to guide comprehension and character analysis, discussion of themes, and final analysis questions.

A Streetcar Named Desire Study Guide
Students use posters to analyze a character from the play.

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