
All God's Chillun Got Wings
God's Chillun Got Wings is a play by Eugene O'Neill, first performed in 1924. It tells the story of Jim Harris, an African-American man, and his wife Ella, a white woman. The couple face discrimination and prejudice from both the white and black communities, as they attempt to build a life together.
The play follows Jim and Ella as they struggle to make a living and find acceptance in a world that is hostile to their relationship. Jim is determined to make a success of himself, despite the obstacles he faces, while Ella is torn between her love for Jim and her desire to fit in with her white peers.
The play culminates in a courtroom scene, where Jim and Ella are put on trial for their interracial marriage. The jury finds them guilty, but the judge overturns the verdict, declaring that all God's children have the right to love and marry whom they choose.
The play is a powerful exploration of racism and prejudice, and a testament to the power of love and acceptance. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
By Eugene O'Neill · First published 1924 · Genre: Drama, Tragedy, Realism · 7 chapters · 13,033 words
First lines
[Characters: JIM HARRIS; MRS. HARRIS, his mother; HATTIE, his sister; ELLA DOWNEY; SHORTY; JOE; MICKEY; WHITES AND NEGROES.]
[A corner in lower New York. Years ago. End of an afternoon in Spring.]
What this Textopian page supports
All God's Chillun Got Wings is listed on Textopian as a play by Eugene O'Neill, dated 1924 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: Eugene O'Neill
- Date: 1924 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Tragedy, Realism, Romance
- Length: 13,033 words
- Structure: 7 chapters, 498 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for All God's Chillun Got Wings by Eugene O'Neill
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering All God's Chillun Got Wings?
- How does this play by Eugene O'Neill fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Drama — All God's Chillun Got Wings is a play written by Eugene O'Neill, a Nobel Prize-winning American playwright. It is a drama that explores themes of racism, identity, and family dynamics.
- Tragedy — The play follows the story of a young African American couple, Jim and Ella, and their struggles to overcome racism and societal pressures. The play ultimately ends in tragedy, making it a tragedy genre.
- Realism — The play is written in a realistic style, with characters that are believable and relatable. O'Neill's writing style is often considered to be a form of realism, as it focuses on the everyday struggles of ordinary people.
- Romance — The play follows the story of Jim and Ella, a young couple in love. Despite the obstacles they face, their love for each other remains strong, making it a romance genre.
Tags
race · identity · drama · American theater · social issues · family · love · tragedy · hope · freedom · oppression · dreams
Contents
- Scene 1
- Scene 1
- Scene 2
- Scene 2
- Scene 3
- Scene 3
- Scene 4
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