Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 61 votes)
5 stars
15(25%)
4 stars
26(43%)
3 stars
20(33%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
61 reviews
July 15,2025
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Eugene O'Neill is a remarkable playwright who has a truly crazy yet fascinating way of creating real-life characters that engage in the most strange and unexpected stuff. His works are a testament to his unique vision and ability to bring to life complex and vivid personalities on the stage.

I wholeheartedly agree with his approach as it adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the plays. It makes the audience sit on the edge of their seats, eager to see what these characters will do next.

If you have a penchant for reading plays, I highly recommend delving into one of Eugene O'Neill's masterpieces. You will be amazed by the depth of his characters and the captivating stories he weaves. So, don't hesitate to pick up one of his plays and embark on a journey into a world of drama and intrigue.

July 15,2025
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A master of the dramatic form is truly remarkable.

He has the unique ability to equally recall the classics of antiquity and the modern way of life.

The classics of antiquity hold a wealth of wisdom and beauty, with their timeless stories and characters. By being able to recall them, the master can draw inspiration from their grandeur and use it to enhance his own works.

On the other hand, the modern way of life provides a rich source of contemporary experiences and issues. The master can observe and understand the nuances of modern society, and then incorporate them into his dramatic pieces.

This combination of the old and the new creates a powerful and engaging form of drama. It allows the audience to connect with the familiar elements of the classics while also being confronted with the challenges and opportunities of the present.

Overall, the master of the dramatic form who can equally recall the classics of antiquity and the modern way of life is a true artist, capable of creating works that resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
July 15,2025
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I wasn't entirely certain whether to assign a rating of three or four stars to these plays. After much deliberation, I ultimately chose four stars. The reason being that I firmly believe these plays will remain etched in my memory.

I envision myself continuously reflecting upon them in the years to come, and I have a strong inclination that I will desire to revisit them in the future.

Regarding O'Neill's portrayal of his female characters, I had some doubts. They appeared to have certain issues, yet, upon closer inspection, it became evident that all of the characters were flawed in their own ways. This, in fact, was the essence of the plays.

In O'Neill's works, there are intense and violent emotions running rampant, and no topic or theme is left unexplored or untouched. This makes for a rather uncomfortable, yet undeniably interesting reading experience.

It is extremely challenging for me to fathom how these plays could be effectively staged. For instance, in "Strange Interlude," the characters undergo significant transformations in terms of weight, age, and demeanor from one act to the next. The stage sets are also highly elaborate and described in great detail.

If by any chance I were to have the opportunity to witness one of these plays being performed live, I would most definitely seize it without hesitation.
July 15,2025
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I only read one play from this collection, Desire Under The Elms. However, it was truly fantastic. This play offers a wonderful exploration of the culture of New England and the specific time frame in which it is set. It vividly depicts how dark and brooding New England can be, as well as the consequences of marrying beneath one's social status. There are numerous twists and turns throughout the play, some of which are completely unexpected, while others are more predictable. It's a show that has such a powerful impact that it makes you feel as if you want to jump off a cliff. So, once you reach the last act, make sure to keep yourself away from any sharp objects. Overall, it's a play that leaves a lasting impression and is well worth reading.

July 15,2025
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I delved into Desire Under the Elms for my dissertation. Undoubtedly, it is a distinct adaptation of Hippolytus. However, for me, it failed to reach the level of complexity exhibited by a play such as Long Day's Journey into Night. Perhaps it was challenging to truly engage with this play due to its being written in dialect. To my ears, it sounds more like a southern drawl rather than a Connecticut dialect, but we can set that matter aside for the moment.


There are numerous intricate issues at play in this drama. Matters regarding rights, the nature of God, and sons overthrowing fathers, among others. So, I suspect I might be overly critical of this play as a dialect piece. In fact, it may possess the same degree of psychological complexity as Long Day's Journey. Nevertheless, I simply did not take as much pleasure in Desire as I did in Long Day's Journey.

July 15,2025
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Re. Strange Interlude:

This was the first O'Neill I had read in over 30 years. Back in the day, I had read most of the major plays. In fact, this was a rereading. Despite all of O'Neill's tics and the rather smothering stage direction, it was surprisingly contemporary. However, it was wordier than perhaps even the wordy playwright himself needed it to be. Did he really have to spell out, in explicitly abecedarian detail, every single thing?

Strange Interlude was controversial at the time and it was O'Neill's most successful Broadway production. Now we have to wonder if that success was all due to the titillation at the overt sexuality of the drama. The frankness of it still startles. The colloquial language of smart Northeasterners holds up extremely well. Nina is powerfully drawn and realized as a character. Having aged 25 years in the course of the play, depending on your point of view, she has either changed or not. And even though the conclusion seems a bit prankish, this is a satisfying stage experiment that is still staged to impressive theatrical effect, as seen in the recent production by the Shakespeare Theater Company of Washington DC.

Overall, Strange Interlude offers a unique and thought-provoking look into the human psyche and relationships, with its combination of bold themes, vivid characters, and engaging language. It continues to be relevant and captivating, even after all these years.
July 15,2025
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Mourning Becomes Electra is a significant work that holds great value. It would be considered a "fiver" in the sense that it has a certain worth and importance. This play by Eugene O'Neill delves deep into the complex themes of family, revenge, and the human psyche. The story unfolds with a web of emotions and conflicts, captivating the audience from start to finish. The characters are richly developed, each with their own motives and desires. The play's exploration of the Electra complex adds an interesting psychological dimension. Mourning Becomes Electra is not just a play; it is a thought-provoking piece of art that leaves a lasting impression. It invites the viewers to reflect on the nature of human relationships and the consequences of our actions. Overall, it is a work that deserves to be studied and appreciated for its artistic merit and profound insights.

July 15,2025
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I read "Strang Interlude" rather unexpectedly at the age of 23. At that time, I was taking my major in creative writing seriously, and it was a better option than working at a bookstore. I purchased a wonderful old O'Neill compendium called "Nine Plays", I'm quite certain. I didn't buy it specifically for "Strange Interlude", but for "Desire Under The Elms", which I adored for its raw sensuality and brutally honest portrayal of sex, death, and life. However, "Strange Interlude" truly took me on a journey and展示了戏剧的无限可能. Although I never witnessed an actual performance of it, perhaps I saw parts of one once in the U.C.S.C. library while watching videos in the pre-computer era. I had never read a play before where the characters said one thing to each other and then turned to the audience to reveal their true thoughts. What's more, the play features a beautiful woman with many suitors, all longing for her dead heroic husband who died in the war. All of her suitors are inferior, and she despises men, while they despise themselves as they pursue her. I'm not sure if it sounds cliched by today's theater standards, but I don't recall ever being so deeply affected by a play. It's not to say that I liked it more than, for example, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", but it had an equally devastating emotional impact on me. I couldn't believe that O'Neill had the audacity to do this and pull it off so successfully. By comparison, all of his other plays seem almost quaint. And yet, he could only do this once, so he made the most of the idea to expose sexually inadequate and meek men courting a fierce woman who is laughingly upset by the weakness of her suitors, longing for a real man who is willing to die for a cause. There are also many other characters in between. What makes it truly devastating is that it's not a series of soliloquies on loneliness or valor, but rather the soliloquies are directly related to the dialogue, allowing you to see everyone's mask and then their true selves inside, and what they are thinking, no matter how brutal, beautiful, kind, forgiving, or sad it may be, towards the person they are talking to. Although their thoughts contradict the conversation, the way the two intertwine is incredible. Not to mention that the play seems to go on forever. I thought it was one of the most realistic experimental plays I had ever read because it truly scared me in an intimate way. It wasn't removed from the understandable like many experimental works are, and yet there was nothing normal about it. O'Neill clearly had a very brutal and what many would call a depressive view of life, and it comes out in full force in "Strange Interlude" as no one lives up to anyone's expectations, least of all their own. I should reread the play to remember the specific reactions each character elicits from the others, but everyone's internal thoughts are exactly as you would imagine them. I think the most pathetic character in the play is an academic poet who half-heartedly tries to court the elegant widow who is the Dean's daughter. However, his attempt is so half-assed that he mostly wonders if he is fooling anyone but himself, and he has clearly been so emasculated that he wonders if he has ever even loved a woman, leaving the reader to wonder if this is a code for being gay. Instead of going through all of the characters' internal struggles and reflecting on their actual conversations, it's safe to say that O'Neill felt all of his characters' pain, and there is actually a lot of love for everyone in spite of their weaknesses and flaws.

It's truly a remarkable piece of work that continues to resonate with me even after all these years.
July 15,2025
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Desire Under the Elms is a remarkable play that delves into the lives of extremely simple individuals who find themselves thrust into an incredibly complex situation.

In their ignorance, we are granted a deeply emotional perspective on profound problems, as opposed to a more logical approach.

Essentially, these characters seem far more human and relatable, allowing the audience to connect with their experiences on a deeper level.

However, the language of the play presents a challenge. The author has masterfully captured the essence of southern slang, which adds authenticity to the dialogue but makes it difficult to read quickly and breeze through.

Despite this hurdle, the power and depth of the story shine through, making Desire Under the Elms a thought-provoking and engaging work of art.
July 15,2025
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July 15,2025
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You should read more Eugene O'Neill.

Eugene O'Neill is one of the most significant playwrights in American literature. His works are renowned for their profound exploration of human nature, complex characters, and powerful themes.

By delving into O'Neill's plays, you will be exposed to a wide range of emotions and experiences. His writing vividly portrays the struggles, dreams, and disappointments of ordinary people, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters on a deep level.

Moreover, O'Neill's plays often deal with universal issues such as love, loss, identity, and the search for meaning in life. Through his masterful storytelling, he forces us to confront our own beliefs and values, and encourages us to think more deeply about the human condition.

In conclusion, reading more Eugene O'Neill is an enriching and rewarding experience. His works have stood the test of time and continue to inspire and move audiences around the world. So, pick up one of his plays today and embark on a journey of discovery and self-reflection.
July 15,2025
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I have a profound affection for this American interpretation of classical Greek tragedies.

It offers a unique perspective that combines the rich heritage of ancient Greek drama with modern sensibilities.

The way in which the playwrights and directors have reimagined these classic stories is truly captivating.

Not only do they bring to life the timeless themes of love, loss, and fate, but they also introduce a plethora of interesting Freudian ideas for us to contemplate.

These Freudian concepts add an extra layer of depth and complexity to the tragedies, allowing us to explore the inner workings of the human psyche.

It is truly fascinating to see how these ancient stories can still resonate with us today, and how they can be used to shed light on our own psychological and emotional experiences.

Overall, this American rendition of classical Greek tragedies is a remarkable achievement that I highly recommend to anyone with an interest in theater, psychology, or the human condition.
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