Expressionistic Elements in Eugene O`Neill`s The Hairy Ape and The Great God Brown

Mathias Sparr

• Publisher: GRIN Verlag
• Year: 2000
• eBook ISBN: 9783638073745
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Literature
• Subtopic: English Literary Criticism
• Index: Literature

Seminar paper from the year 1999 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: very good, University of Münster, course: Modern American Drama, language: English, abstract: Dive into the tumultuous depths of the human psyche with this exploration of expressionistic elements in Eugene O'Neill's groundbreaking dramas, "The Hairy Ape" and "The Great God Brown." Unearth the profound influence of August Strindberg and the continental expressionist movement on O'Neill's innovative theatrical techniques. Journey into a world where stark, symbolic settings mirror the inner turmoil of characters stripped bare of their individuality, reduced to archetypes wrestling with alienation, identity, and the elusive search for belonging. Discover how O'Neill masterfully employs distorted realities, nightmarish atmospheres, and fragmented dialogue to externalize the subconscious anxieties of his protagonists. Witness Yank, the stoker, grapple with his place in an industrialized society that deems him obsolete, and unravel the masked identities of Dion Anthony and William Brown as they confront the conflicting forces of creativity, materialism, and spiritual longing. Explore the innovative use of masks, sound, and language that elevate these plays beyond mere realism, transforming them into visceral experiences of the human condition. Delve into the themes of social criticism, the loss of harmony with nature, and the desperate quest for meaning in a world devoid of inherent purpose. This insightful analysis illuminates O'Neill's genius in capturing the essence of human suffering and the enduring power of expressionism to expose the raw nerves of the soul, offering a fresh perspective on these seminal works of American theatre and their continuing relevance in a world grappling with similar existential questions. From the cage-like confines of the stokehole to the grotesque parade of Fifth Avenue marionettes, prepare to be immersed in a theatrical landscape where the boundaries between reality and the human mind blur, leaving you questioning the very nature of existence and the masks we wear to navigate it. Explore the rich tapestry of symbolism, the potent use of leitmotifs, and the profound exploration of inner conflict that define O'Neill's unique contribution to modern drama, revealing the playwright's enduring legacy as a master of expressionistic technique and a fearless chronicler of the human spirit.