Streetcar Named Desire Visual Literacy

1. LOOKING AT NEW
ORLEANS: FOCUSING ON
VISUAL LITERACY
English 30-2 “A Streetcar Named Desire”
Unit ~

2. Why New Orleans?
 The play “A Streetcar Named
Desire” is set in New Orleans in the
1940s. The city is an integral part of
this play as the backdrop for this
story. In recent history, the people
in the city of New Orleans suffered
in a horrific natural disaster:
hurricane Katrina. This hurricane
devastated the city. Katrina killed,
hurt, and displaced the people of
New Orleans, and so the people
who live there are now regarded as
brave survivors. The hurricane was
well documented by journalists and
citizens alike, and we remember
the disaster though photos such as
the ones you are about to see.

3. Connecting to Visual Literacy
 On the diploma exam, you will
be asked to write an essay
based on a photograph.
Throughout this course, we will
be practicing our visual literacy
by analyzing, discussing, and
writing about various photos that
connect with the texts we study.
 Consider the following
photographs depicting the
disaster in New Orleans after
Hurricane Katrina. Choose one

4. What to look for:
 What is the CENTRAL IDEA in the
photograph?
 Is there CONTRAST?
 What significance does the COLOUR play?
 What SYMBOLS or SYMBOLISM is present?

17. Visual Analysis Gallery
 Step One: Walk around
the room and look at the
photos. As you are
analyzing the photo,
please write down any
words or ideas that
come to mind when you
are looking. These
comments will then be
available for you to
consider when you are
completing your
analysis assignment on
the photograph you

18. Visual Analysis Assignment
 Step Two: Brainstorm
about your photograph,
considering elements
such as:
 Theme
 Symbols or symbolism
 Color
 Juxtaposition
 Affect on the audience
(you!)