Introduction
One of Tennessee Williams most influential works is "Night of the Iguana" which was created in 1941. The story centers around the disgrace of Shannon Lawrence who is a former minister who was demoted from his position after being accused of statutory rape on a 16-year-old girl. Through the struggles that Shannon encounters, the author manages to highlight several themes such as sexual desires, confinement, jealousy, and loneliness are explored. Williams further strives to analyze the relationship and effect of these themes to the society that he lived in. Williams further manages to capture the post second world war literature and set up in his creation. Through a thorough analysis of the plot, literary devices, and stylistic techniques, it is possible to decipher the true meaning and role of the "Night of the Iguana" in the post-world war 2 eras and the contemporary society.
Williams's Society Reflection
Williams's "Night of the Iguana" is a true replica of the society in which he lived in in the post-world war 2 eras (Williams " Wright 35). In his creation, Williams highlights the implications that the permissive social set up had on the people. Although the setup of "Night of the Iguana" is chaotic and confused chaotic, Williams managed to bring a glimmer of hope towards the end. Critics of the play further held the opinion that William revealed much of his character and intentions on the play even though they state that his other works were much better than "Night of the Iguana." Although the "Iguana" is mentioned severally in the play William does not give much detail on it and hence leaves it to the readers and critics to fill in the gap in accordance with their understanding (Williams " Wright 75).
The Overwhelming Power of Sexual Desire
One of the main themes in "Night of the Iguana" is the overwhelming power of sexual desire. William is deliberate about the description of the consequences of sex that comes to his characters. Although other characters are also caught up in the sexual scandals in "Night of the Iguana," William centers around the effects that Shannon experiences due to the aftermath of his sexual relations (Dickinson 270). Although when confronted by miss Judith Fellowes concerning his sexual encounter with a teenager, Shannon denies the claims he, later on, accepts the claims during his conversation with Hannah Jelkes. In anger, miss Fellowes calls Shannon, "Oh, you beast. You beast! (Dickinson 392)" Shannon further reveals to Hannah that he was initially a minister and hence he was fired after the realization that he had had a sexual relationship with a Sunday school teacher. Although Shannon acknowledges his weakness in the destructive force of his sexual encounters, he cannot stop partaking in sexual encounters as he still tries to have sex with some of his clients in the tour company.
The Role of Sexual Desire in Shannon's Relationships
In the third act, Maxine tells Shannon that she had heard about his sexual history and hence she gives him possible reasons as to why he enjoyed having sex with young women. In "Night of Iguana (Dickinson 390)" Maxine tells Shannon that, "Yeah, but I heard it, all of it. You said you love God and Mama so you quit it to please them. "Maxine implies that Shannon has sexual desires for younger women because he had a guilty conscience hanging on his heart from an earlier encounter and scrutiny from his mother about masturbation. Additionally, Maxine also thinks that Shannon strives to have his revenge on the younger women as well as to justify his earlier deed and misery in life. Shannon also slaps Charlotte and the Sunday school teacher after he had had sex with them. It is apparent that sex according to Shannon has an evil aspect and hence people should repent after having done it. Maxine Faulk just like Shannon has a weakness for sexual desire as she explains to Shannon her sexual history (Dickinson 390). Maxine states that she had had sexual encounters with several of her employees and hence is proud of it. In her defense, however, she claims that her dead husband had not had sexual relations with her for a long time. Towards the end, Maxine makes it clear to Shannon that she was interested in him and feels jealousy later when she learns that Shannon is interested in Hannah.
Struggles with Sexual Desires
Hannah Jelkes, on the other hand, struggles to suppress her sexual desires, she claims that she sees life as dull. Hannah can only remember of two incidences where men tried to make sexual advances at her. Maxine Faulk and Jelkes have some similarity in their approach to the acceptance of their sexuality. Both Maxine and Hannah had liberal sexual opinions and hence did not have a feeling of guilt or regret on their sexual histories. Hannah and Maxine are, therefore, embrace their sexual desires as opposed to Shannon who keeps running away from his desires. Hannah, for instance, states that "Hannah Jelkes: Nothing human disgusts me, Mr. Shannon unless it's unkind, violent (Williams " Wright 37)."
The Symbolism of the Iguana
Although Williams does not give a detailed information concerning the Iguana, the release of the Iguana is both symbolic and metaphoric. The release of the Iguana symbolizes freedom and liberty. William explains that aloft of characters are in bondage as evidenced by the case of Hannah and Shannon who refuse to reveal they're true identities (Vernon 37). Throughout the story, the Iguana is tied to the verandah and hence symbolizes the oppression and lack of self-expression. Although many characters are in bondage and are unable to break free from the wrath of their actions, William states that among them only Shannon manages to release the Iguana which is tied to the verandah and hence he frees it at last (Vernon 36). The symbolism of the Iguana leaving correlates to Shannon's decision to leave the hotel as opposed to continue staying there.
Tragic Tone and Emotional Appeal
In the "Night of the Iguana" Williams employs the use of a tragic tone in explaining the unfortunate outcome of events and misery that surrounds the lives of the characters. Most of the characters have encountered tragic events which have been consequential to their lives and hence they have some form of sadness and wishful thinking (Vernon 25). Shannon in his encounter with the different women such as Hannah and Maxine realizes that his situation was not as bad as he had imagined and that he was only being too judgmental on himself.
Conclusion
Through the analysis of the setup, symbolism, and tone Tennessee Williams manages to capture the attention of the readers by narrating an interesting controversial story filled with sexual desires. Through the character of Shannon, the main protagonist, William implies that people are allowed to act and think as they please in the society but acknowledge the fact that their thoughts are consequential. Williams's "Night of the Iguana" manages to bring about a full exploration of the emotional, appeals through using the literary devices to address the needs of a dynamic society.
Works cited
Dickinson Emily. The Night of the Iguana. iguanascript.pdf
Vernon, Ursula. Nightmare of the Iguana. New York: Dial Books, 2013.
Williams, Tennessee, and Doug Wright. The Night of the Iguana. New York: New Directions Pub, 2009.
