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Born
Thomas Lanier Williams III was born in Columbus, Mississippi on March 26, 1911 in the rectory of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, which is now a national literary landmark. -
Family
His father's name was Cornelius Coffin Williams, he was a traveling shoe salesman.
His mother's name was Edwina Dakin William, who was from a prestigious family.
He had two siblings an older sister, Rose, and a younger brother, Dakin. -
Grandparents
William was close to his grandparents on his mothers side, Reverend Walter Dakin and Rosina Otte Dakin. -
Move to St. Louis, Missouri
In 1918, William and his family moved to St. Louis Missouri because of his fathers job.
Felt isolated during these times and experienced his fathers domestic abuse and alcoholism. -
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The Great Depression
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University of Missouri
William's enrolled in journalism at the University of Missouri in Columbia. He later left because his father pulled him out due to his financial problems and low grades.
He started to work at the International Shoe Company warehouse for money, were he faced depression and stress from the job he hated.
He started to write a lot using it as a form of an emotional outlet. -
People who influenced William
Inspired by D.H. Lawrence's depictions of sexuality and the portrayal of his characters battling inner urges vs societal norms.
Anton Chekhov's realistic characters, symbolism, and melancholy atmosphere all inspired William's throughout his plays.
William Faulkner Southern Gothic style, poetic and expressive language, and exploration of complex family dynamics that focused on loyalty and conflict.
These people greatly inspired William's playwrights. -
Dynamic of family and their Impact
His father was often absent through out his life and was very critical of William's artistic interest and this caused for themes of neglect and strained family dynamics to be present in his works. His mother's struggle with mental health issues like nervous disorder, depression, and isolation also influenced his writing. His sisters struggles with mental health and her schizophrenia inspired many of William's characters that were depicted as vulnerable and fragile women. -
Beginning of Mental Health Struggles
William goes through a nervous breakdown caused by a combination of personal and familial pressures put on him. He ends up taking a break, in which he writes "Cairo, Shanghai, Bombay!" which was a one-act comedy about two sailors on a date with two women (this was William's first play to be produced). -
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Washington University
William enrolled into Washington University in St. Louis but only studied there for a year before dropping out, due to financial struggles and because he didn't like the English program they had because he believed it wasn't creative enough. -
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University of Iowa
William then went to the University of Iowa where he studied playwriting and completed his education.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English. -
Move and Pen Name
Moved to New Orleans, Louisiana into the French Quarters, which was a place that he found influential because of the vibrant culture and people.
Adopted the pen name Tennessee to pay homage to his southern heritage since his father was from Tennessee. -
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World War II
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Broadway Debut
William's first play in broadway "Battle of Angels" had a not so good debut. -
The Glass Menagerie
The breakthrough of William's career started with his play called "The Glass Menagerie" which was inspired by his family's dynamics and more specifically his sister Rose's struggle with mental health.
The play focuses on Tom Winfield's overbearing mother and his shy sister Laura who has a physical disability and whose mother is looking for a suitor for.
When his play moved to Broadway in 1945, it won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award. -
A Streetcar Named Desire
Follows Blanche DuBoise a troubled woman who moved in with her sister Stella and brother-in-law Stanley in New Orleans after losing the family home. Blanche's fragile mental state starts to crumble and tensions between her and Stanley rise.
When it premiered on Broadway it earned a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1948.
Was then adapted into a film in 1951. -
Personal Life
Tennessee William's never came out as gay but he was open about his sexuality.
Although he never married he did have a long-term relationship with Frank Merlo from 1948-1963.
William's didn't start a family and decided to focus more on his writing. -
Health issues
William dealt with physical health issues like respiratory issues (bronchial infections that were a caused by his smoking habit). This is also around the time when he started to struggle with depression, and he used alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism.
The combination of both his physical and mental health made it challenging for him to write. -
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Published and premiered on March 24, won William his second Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
This play revolves around a wealthy Southern family that is dealing with secrets, personal conflicts, and lies during a birthday celebration. -
The Night of the Iguana
Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon seeks refuge in a Mexican hotel, along with other troubled tourist, run by Maxine Faulk. Shannon builds a bond with Hannah Jelkes who helps him face his inner struggles.
Was seen as William's last major critical and commercial success -
Frank Merlo's Death
Merlo was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1962, as his health declined William remained by his side and took care of Merlo. In 1963 Merlo's cancer was deemed as not operable and he died. -
Publication of Memoirs
William published his book called "Memoirs" that talk about his life and discussions of homosexuality, drug use, and personal challenges faced. -
American Theater Hall of Fame
In 1979, William was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame as a form of acknowledgment for his contributions towards American theater. -
Death
Died at the age of 71 in his New York hotel room.
He died from choking on a cap of some sort. -
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