Tennessee Williams Thomas Lanier “Tennessee” Williams is acknowledged as one of the greatest American dramatists of the post-World War II era. His stature is based almost entirely upon works he completed during the first half of his career. William’s lyrical style and his thematic concerns are distinctive in American theatre. The majority of William’s material came almost exclusively from his inner life and was little influenced by other dramatists or by contemporary events. Williams established an international reputation with A Streetcar Named Desire, which many critics consider his best work. The play begins with the arrival of Blanche DuBois at the home of her sister, Ste