Desire under the Elms

Name: Desire under the Elms
Author: Eugene O'Neill

The play unfolds in a New England farmhouse in 1850, centering on the Cabot family, particularly the tumultuous relationships between Ephraim Cabot, his sons Eben, Simeon, and Peter, and Abbie Putnam, Ephraim's new wife. The narrative explores themes of desire, betrayal, and the struggle for power and identity. Eben, the youngest son, is resentful of his father, Ephraim, who he believes has wronged his deceased mother. The tension escalates as Eben grapples with his feelings for Abbie, who is caught between her desire for power and her attraction to Eben. The brothers, Simeon and Peter, are also discontented, feeling exploited by their father's hard labor on the farm. As the story progresses, Abbie and Eben's relationship intensifies, leading to a passionate affair. However, the birth of their child complicates matters, as Abbie's motivations become suspect. She is driven by a desire to secure her position and the farm, which she believes will be rightfully hers and her child's. The climax occurs when Abbie, in a moment of desperation, smothers their infant son, believing it will free her from the ties that bind her to Ephraim and allow her to fully embrace her love for Eben. This act of violence shatters the fragile dynamics of their relationships, leading to a confrontation between Eben and Abbie, where accusations of betrayal and murder surface. Eben, feeling betrayed and enraged, decides to inform the sheriff of Abbie's actions, believing it will bring justice. However, as the sheriff arrives, the characters are forced to confront the consequences of their actions. Ephraim, who has been portrayed as a hard and unyielding figure, reveals a softer side, expressing his own loneliness and regret. The play concludes with a sense of inevitability as the characters face the repercussions of their desires and choices. The themes of love, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life on the farm resonate throughout, leaving the audience to ponder the complexities of human relationships and the often-destructive nature of desire.

By Eugene O'Neill · First published 1924 · Genre: Tragedy, Drama, Realism · 12 chapters · 30,121 words

First lines

Characters EPHRAIM CABOT SIMEON PETER -- his sons EBEN ABBIE PUTNAM Young Girl, Two Farmers, The Fiddler, A Sheriff, and other folk from the neighboring farms.

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Desire under the Elms is listed on Textopian as a play by Eugene O'Neill, dated 1924 CE.

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Work type: Play
Author: Eugene O'Neill
Date: 1924 CE
Language: English
Genres: Tragedy, Drama, Realism, Psychological, Southern Gothic
Length: 30,121 words
Structure: 12 chapters, 797 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Tragedy — The play explores deep emotional conflicts and the destructive nature of desire, leading to tragic outcomes.
Drama — The narrative focuses on intense character interactions and emotional struggles within a rural family setting.
Realism — The work presents a realistic portrayal of life, emphasizing the struggles of rural existence and human relationships.
Psychological — The characters' internal conflicts and motivations are central to the plot, highlighting psychological themes of desire and repression.