In Street Scene, many inhabitants of the bustling tenement building display prejudiced and intolerant attitudes toward their neighbors. While sitting on the front steps of the brownstone, they mock the lifestyles of those who differ from them. For instance, in the opening moments of the play, Mrs. Jones, one of the building's nonimmigrant residents, remarks, "What them foreigners don’t know about bringin’ up babies would fill a book," referring to Mrs. Olsen. Mrs. Olsen is an immigrant from Scandinavia. Mrs. Jones makes this comment to Mrs. Fiorentino, a German immigrant married to an Italian immigrant. Mrs. Fiorentino feels slightly offended by the insinuation. Mrs. Jones also voices intolerant opinions about nearly everyone in the play.

One of the less popular families in the tenement is the Kaplans. The elderly father, Abraham, along with his daughter Shirley and son Sam, are disliked by many neighbors for being Jewish and for their radical political views. Abraham Kaplan is a socialist who believes that the capitalist economic system exploits workers. Many residents are intolerant of Mr. Kaplan and his beliefs, blaming Jewish people for various issues in their world. Likewise, most residents disapprove of the budding relationship between Sam Kaplan and Rose Maurrant, telling Rose and her parents that they would never allow their daughter to be involved with someone who is Jewish. Through these depictions of prejudice and circumstances, Rice illustrates the diversity of New York City's population and their beliefs, not all of which are positive.

In Street Scene, Rice highlights the oppressive nature of modern urban life. The "machines" in this context are New York City, the cramped tenement living conditions, and the types of jobs held by the lower-middle-class residents. The play unfolds on a scorching June day, with many characters struggling in the heat. Their crowded living situation exacerbates the discomfort, as they are stacked upon one another, leaving them with little privacy and few opportunities. For instance, everyone is aware of Mrs. Maurrant’s affair with Steve Sankey, the man who collects bills for the milk company. However, she might not have engaged in the affair if her husband, Mr. Maurrant, hadn't been so deeply affected by the oppressive environment. Mr. Maurrant, who works as a stagehand, appears dissatisfied with his life. These stresses contribute to the tragic conclusion of Street Scene, yet the story doesn’t end with the double murder. New tenants will inevitably move in, and the existing residents will continue to feel the weight of these pressures.

The central theme, if there is one, of Street Scene's sprawling narrative is the affair between Mrs. Maurrant and Steve Sankey, the bill collector for a milk company, and its impact on the tenement community. Mrs. Maurrant is portrayed as a victim of both urban life and a dissatisfying marriage. Her husband, Mr. Maurrant, is shown as a brutish man who attempts to dominate his family through intimidation. Their marriage is notably unhappy, and he shows little regard for his wife's emotional needs. Seeking to fill this void, Mrs. Maurrant engages in an affair. Although Mr. Maurrant senses something is amiss, their daughter, Rose, is fully aware of the affair. She advises her mother to be more cautious, but her warnings go unheeded. Tragically, Mr. Maurrant kills both Mrs. Maurrant and Sankey, believing he will face the death penalty for his actions.

While Mr. and Mrs. Maurrant are casualties of their own decisions, which lead to dire outcomes, Rose and her brother may learn from these errors. Rose is determined not to fall victim to the city or an unhappy marriage. She resolves to...