“The Role of Symbolism in A Streetcar Named Desire” Blanche Dubois, pure yet destructive, Stanley Kowalski, loving yet primitive, and the Street Car Named Desire, a trolley that leads to death, are all symbols in Tennessee Williams’ allegory. In A Street Car Named Desire, Williams uses names, clothing, astrological signs and inanimate objects as symbolic devices throughout the play. Blanche Dubois’ name and appearance, the contrast between Stanley Kowalski and Stella Kowalski, and the name of trolley, all play an important role of symbolism throughout Williams’ play. Blanche Dubois means “wh