Analysis
The works of Eugene O’Neill reveal a profound exploration of the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of familial and societal relationships. As an artist, O'Neill delved into various themes such as the struggle for identity, the need for illusion, and the conflict between the individual and the universe. This analysis examines some of his most notable plays, highlighting the innovative structures and thematic depth that characterize his body of work.
A Theatrical Visionary
Eugene O'Neill's immersion in the theater began at birth and shaped his life's work. Rejecting the superficiality of commercial theater, O'Neill viewed the theater as a reflection of life itself—a life often characterized by unsuccessful struggle. His artistic integrity drove him to experiment with realism and nonrealistic expressionistic devices to externalize characters' interior states through elements such as sound, light, and language. Plays like The Emperor Jones and The Great God Brown exemplify his use of these devices, tapping into the psychological, social, and philosophical dimensions of the human experience.
O’Neill's bold explorations of structure and content led him to draw inspiration from Greek tragedies, which are evident in plays like Desire Under the Elms and Mourning Becomes Electra. His structures varied widely, from traditional one-act plays to extensive, multifaceted narratives like Mourning Becomes Electra, which essentially comprises three full-length plays.
Psychological Depth and Autobiographical Elements
O'Neill's characters resonate with psychological accuracy, often reflecting the influence of contemporary Freudian psychoanalysis. His plays frequently explore themes of familial conflict and the quest for identity, evident in the tensions between fathers and sons and the longing for maternal love. Many of his works serve as disguised attempts to resolve his personal conflicts, leading critic Travis Bogard to suggest that O'Neill's oeuvre collectively forms an autobiography.
Despite the often despairing view of humanity in O’Neill’s work, he refrained from offering moral messages or promoting causes. His characters, driven by intense passions like love, ambition, and greed, grapple with obsessive love—a theme prevalent in works such as Mourning Becomes Electra and Desire Under the Elms.
The Facets of Identity and the Masks We Wear
A recurrent theme in O'Neill’s plays is the multifaceted nature of identity and the metaphorical masks people wear to hide their true selves. In The Great God Brown, O'Neill employed literal masks to explore this theme, while in Strange Interlude, he used interior monologues. These devices highlight humanity's evasive nature and the need for illusions to navigate life's complexities.
The idea of self-created illusions is further explored in plays like Anna Christie and The Iceman Cometh. Characters often construct elaborate fantasies to cope with reality, as seen in The Iceman Cometh, where patrons of a bar cling to "pipe dreams" to sustain their lives.
Critique and Legacy
Though O'Neill's work has faced criticism for its perceived stylistic flaws and clumsy dialogue, his departure from the contrived romantic "well-made play" marks a significant evolution in American drama. His dialogue, while sometimes appearing stilted on the page, gains vibrancy in performance. Moreover, the enduring power of O'Neill's plays in performance attests to their undeniable impact.
The Emperor Jones: A Study in Expressionism
The Emperor Jones is a complex one-act play that weaves expressionistic elements into its narrative. It tells the story of Brutus Jones, a corrupt ruler who, in a state of regressive panic, finds himself stripped of his pretenses and hunted to death. The play's expressionistic techniques, such as increasing drumbeats representing Jones's heartbeat and the stripping of his emperor's robes, reveal his psychological unraveling.
The play explores themes of social revolution, psychological regression, and existential struggle, culminating in...
(This entire section contains 1140 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
Jones's realization that he cannot escape his own illusionary constructs. O'Neill highlights the essential human need for illusions, a theme that resonates throughout his body of work.
Desire Under the Elms: Tragedy and Retribution
Set against the backdrop of puritanical New England, Desire Under the Elms delves into themes of incest, adultery, and infanticide. The play illustrates the destructive power of obsessive desires through a tragic love triangle involving Ephraim Cabot, his son Eben, and the new wife Abby. O'Neill's exploration of Greek tragedy motifs, such as inevitable fate and retribution, adds an epic quality to the play.
O'Neill's use of specific visual and linguistic elements enhances the play's thematic resonance. The elm trees surrounding the house symbolize sinister maternity, while the dialogue reflects the characters' inner conflicts and desires. The play's structure is tight and economical, showcasing O'Neill's skill in crafting poignant tragedy.
The Great God Brown: A Conflict of Art and Society
The Great God Brown is characterized by its experimental use of masks to explore identity and the conflict between artistic integrity and societal expectations. The play's characters navigate the complexities of love and rivalry, with Dion Anthony embodying O'Neill's own artistic struggles. The use of masks underscores the theme of hidden truths and the facades people maintain.
While the play's plot may appear obscure, its exploration of deeply personal themes and the innovative use of theatrical devices make it a noteworthy study in expressionism and the search for identity.
Mourning Becomes Electra: A Modern Tragedy
Borrowing elements from Greek tragedy, Mourning Becomes Electra weaves a complex narrative of familial betrayal, murder, and psychological torment. The Mannon family's fate is inexorably tied to their inherited guilt and destructive passions. O'Neill's use of a Puritan-derived setting parallels the Greek sense of inevitable destiny, reinforcing the play's tragic dimensions.
The trilogy format and the characters' mask-like expressions emphasize the theme of hereditary destiny and the inescapability of one's past. O'Neill's ability to evoke intense experience without moral judgment solidifies the play's place as a modern equivalent of the Greek tragedies.
The Iceman Cometh: Pipe Dreams and Reality
The Iceman Cometh portrays the harsh reality of life in the "lower depths," where characters cling to illusions to cope with their bleak existence. The play revolves around Hickey's attempt to force his friends to confront their "pipe dreams," ultimately revealing the necessity of such illusions for survival. O'Neill's naturalistic approach and psychological insight make the play a profound exploration of the human condition.
The interplay between characters, the revelation of personal truths, and the ultimate realization of the need for illusion underscore the play's thematic depth. Despite initial criticism, the play's revival and enduring impact affirm its significance in O'Neill's repertoire.
Long Day’s Journey into Night: A Family's Struggle
Long Day’s Journey into Night is O'Neill's autobiographical masterpiece, portraying the Tyrone family's battle with addiction, illness, and financial struggles. The play's structure, confined to a single day, allows for a psychological examination of the characters' relationships and individual guilt.
The interplay of love and resentment, the impact of past decisions, and the inextricable bonds of family are central themes. O'Neill's skillful portrayal of complex dynamics and emotional truths renders the play a poignant exploration of familial endurance and despair.
