About
Born Thomas Lanier Williams III in Columbus, Mississippi, Tennessee Williams is one of the major American playwrights of the 20th century. He grew up in St. Louis and studied at several universities, including the University of Iowa. His play 'The Glass Menagerie' (1944) brought him fame, followed by many successes. He won two Pulitzer Prizes for 'A Streetcar Named Desire' (1948) and 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' (1955). His works explore human fragility, passion, and Southern decadence. He died in New York City in 1983.
* 1911-03-26 — † 1983-02-25
Major works
- The Glass Menagerie (1944)play
- A Streetcar Named Desire (1947)play
- Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1955)play
- Suddenly Last Summer (1958)play
- The Night of the Iguana (1961)play
Key milestones
- 1948Won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for 'A Streetcar Named Desire'.
- 1955Won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'.
- 1980Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Themes
Human fragilityPassion and desireSouthern decadenceIsolation and lonelinessFamily conflicts
Sources: loc.gov · britannica.com · pulitzer.org
