In response to Mr. Duncan”s letter (“Thinks Williams should be downplayed,” Voice of the people, Sept. 8) and The Dispatch poll regarding Tennessee Williams, I would like to state my personal disbelief at the ignorance of a legendary author and playwright.
As a student here at Mississippi State University, I feel that it is very important to do the proper research on the public figure one is trying to “downplay.”
Mr. Duncan stated in his letter Williams was nothing more than a homosexual drug addict who only deserved a nod for his accomplishments, and a very small one at that, because “this is the Bible Belt where morals still exist.”
It is true Williams, like everybody else on the face of the earth, had his demons, but what Mr. Duncan apparently fails to realize is the city celebrates Tennessee Williams as an author, not Tennessee Williams the homosexual drug addict. It hardly seems befitting for a Christian living in the Bible Belt to condemn someone just because that person does not hold similar Christian values, or “morals,” as Duncan called them. (After all, doesn”t the Bible say to love one another?)
After reading Mr. Duncan”s letter, I could only draw the conclusion he has never actually read or seen any of Williams” work, because if he had taken the time to read even just one of his short plays (The Glass Menagerie comes to mind.), he would have realized that Williams was a master of the English language. He would have enjoyed the almost musical way the dialogue floats off of the page, he would have shared in the frustration and sorrow of the characters, and he would have gotten chills as the play closes with the character of Tom uttering the phrase “…Blow out your candles, Laura — and so goodbye.”
As stated earlier, it is true that Williams had his demons. It would probably be safe to say that his abusive, alcoholic father and neurotic snob of a mother, not to mention the unfortunate fate that befell his older sister Rose and his struggle with sexuality all contributed to his experimentation and dependence on alcohol and barbiturates.
But those things also served as a basis for his writing. Williams saw the ugly in humanity and exposed it beautifully through his writing. He was not afraid to question traditional views on society or to empathize with women (certainly not qualities to scoff at in the South during the 40s and 50s).
With all of this being said, it really is a shame that well over half of the people who voted in the poll claimed to never have read anything by Williams or to even be a fan of his work. I hope that the only reason most of the voters are not fans is because they have never been presented the opportunity to read his work or to see his films, though I highly suspect Mr. Duncan”s attitude is the same carried by many other citizens of the city. Again I say it really is a shame.
Not only is the written word a rapidly dying art form, but it is very likely that the citizens of a city do not even know why they celebrate this world renowned playwright, much less care to learn.
Seven Broadway plays, seven film adaptations, three Donaldson awards, three New York Drama Critics” Circle awards, two Pulitzer prizes, a Tony award are evidence much of the world feels differently.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.