Abstract

Eugene O’Neill is an outstanding American playwright in 20th century. As a representative of expressionistic and realistic literature, his works are apt at revealing the tragedy in life through exploring human nature.

This paper aims at approaching the soul of this giant of drama and analyzing how he uncovers the essence of human nature through the dramatic conflicts in one of his greatest works—Desire under the Elms. The paper is divided into four perspectives. First, the paper attempts to connect the life of Eugene O’Neill and the tragic conflicts reflect in his works. Then, it probes into the characteristics of the main roles which trigger the tragic ending of them. And finally, it analyzes the dramatic conflicts which include the conflicts between the characters, the inner conflicts of the main roles and the conflicts between human and the social and natural environment.

 Desire under the Elms is an excellent tragedy composed by Eugene O’Neill. Under his pen, the desires of the characters are vivid and lush. They all seem to live for a clear purpose while actually are merely slaves to their weakness in human nature. The play aims to discuss the cost of desires and the significance of existence.

Key Words：dramatic conflicts; tragedy; material desire; lust; human nature

Contents

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction-6

1.1 About the Play-6

1.2 About the Author-6

1.3 Major Themes of O'Neill's Works-7

1.4 Thesis8

2. Character Analysis-9

2.1 Eben —Ambitious Daydreamer-9

2.2 Abbie —Angel or Demon-10

2.3 Cabot —the Possessive Owner-12

3. On the Dramatic Conflicts in Desire under the Elms 14

3.1 Human vs. Human15

 3.1.1 The Conflict between Father and Son.15

 3.1.2 The Conflict between Husband and Wife. 16

 3.1.3 The Conflict between Brothers16

3.2 Human vs. Oneself17

3.2.1 Cabot-17

 3.2.2 Eben.18

 3.2.3 Abbie19

3.3 Human vs. Environment.20

 3.3.1 The Conflict between Human and Nature-20

  3.3.2 The Conflict between Human and Social Environment21

4. Conclusion.22

  4.1 The Identification of "Desire" in the Play22

  4.2 The Analysis from Paternal and Maternal Perspectives.22

4.3 Realistic Significance.23

References23

Acknowledgements -.24