Title: Three Plays: Desire Under the Elms / Strange Interlude / Mourning Becomes Electra
Author: Eugene O’Neill
First published January 1, 1931
424 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780679763963 (ISBN10: 0679763961)
Rating: 4.07
Overview
Eugene O’Neill’s Three Plays: Desire Under the Elms / Strange Interlude / Mourning Becomes Electra takes readers on a journey through the complex web of human emotions and relationships. O’Neill’s unparalleled ability to delve into the human experience is on full display in these three masterpieces.
With each play, O’Neill challenges readers to question their own understanding of love, desire, and tragedy. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally charged read, Three Plays is a must-read.
About the Author
Eugene Gladstone O’Neill, an American playwright, created Mourning Becomes Electra in 1931, alongside other notable works. He achieved great success in his career, receiving the Nobel Prize for literature in 1936 and four Pulitzer Prizes, including one for Long Day’s Journey into Night in 1956.
O’Neill’s dramatic works were praised for their power, honesty, and profound emotions, which presented a unique concept of tragedy. He was the first to introduce dramatic realism, a style pioneered by Russian, Norwegian, and Swedish playwrights, to American audiences.
O’Neill also incorporated true American vernacular in his speeches, setting a new standard in American literature.
His plays featured characters living on the fringes of society, engaging in depraved behavior while struggling to maintain their hopes and aspirations, only to ultimately succumb to disillusionment and despair. While he did write one comedy, all his other plays explored varying degrees of tragedy and personal pessimism.
Editoral Review
Eugene O’Neill is a renowned playwright who has made a significant contribution to the theatrical world. In his book, Three Plays: Desire Under the Elms / Strange Interlude / Mourning Becomes Electra, he brings together three tragedies of epic proportions.
The book was first published on January 1, 1931, during a time when audiences were hungry for new and thought-provoking material. Set against the backdrop of rural America, each of the three plays explores complex themes that are central to the human experience.
“Desire Under the Elms” explores one family’s struggle for power and control over their land, while “Strange Interlude” is a story of love, betrayal, and emotional turmoil. In “Mourning Becomes Electra,” O’Neill draws on the Greek myth of Orestes to create a masterpiece that examines the corrosive effects of revenge.
One of the strengths of this book lies in O’Neill’s masterful use of language to bring out the characters’ complexities. He skillfully captures their innermost emotions and struggles, allowing readers to connect with them on a deep level.
For example, in “Desire Under the Elms,” the main character Eben’s desire to possess the family farm at any cost is palpable. In “Strange Interlude,” Nina’s desperation for love and the resulting trauma is heart-wrenching.
O’Neill’s ability to weave intricate plots that are both engaging and thought-provoking is another highlight of this book. Each play unfolds in a unique way, with its twists and turns that keep readers engaged and guessing.
As the characters journey through their trials and tribulations, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Despite its brilliance, the book has some weaknesses.
One of its limitations is the somber tone that permeates throughout the three plays. While the intensity of emotions is necessary to create the intended impact, it can also be overwhelming for some readers, making it difficult to enjoy the book.
Overall, Eugene O’Neill’s Three Plays: Desire Under the Elms / Strange Interlude / Mourning Becomes Electra is a book that is well worth reading. His eloquent use of language, intricate plots, and thought-provoking themes make it a masterpiece that has stood the test of time.
It is an excellent choice for anyone interested in exploring the human condition through the lens of a master storyteller. For lovers of the theatrical world, this book is a must-read.
It gives readers a glimpse into the mind of a playwright whose works have shaped the modern stage. However, due to its serious tone and complex themes, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Therefore, we rate this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who loves a good tragedy or wants to explore one of the great works of the stage.
