Immensely psychological,

this piece of work truly is. The language employed within it is great, carefully crafted and nuanced. It has that special quality that makes it not only something to be produced but also something that is meant to be read and reread. Each word seems to carry a weight, a hidden meaning that unfolds with each successive reading. It's as if the author has poured their heart and soul into every sentence, creating a text that is rich in depth and complexity. Whether you are a casual reader or a serious scholar, this work has the power to draw you in and keep you engaged. It challenges your mind, makes you think, and perhaps even changes your perspective. In a world where so much writing is forgettable, this stands out as a true gem, a work that will be cherished and studied for years to come.

This review focuses on Desire Under the Elms.

Just as I view the list of characters in a play as an intriguing preview of the author's mindset, I also see an author's later choice of play when adapting ancient myths. The choice of Hippolytus is significant. It's one of my favorites by Euripides, and the fact that O'Neill, with whom I've felt a connection since Long Day's Journey into Night deeply affected me in high school, shares a similar taste in Greek tragedies as I do... Well, that's precisely why I read books, to experience that connection that transcends time and space, forming a brotherhood of the cursed. In mutual understanding of one another's hardships, we defeat existential loneliness, comforted like Orestes by the tragic and deathly force that is so present, beautiful, and all-pervasive that it can only be considered God.

Do you bear that mark of Cain? Have you donned the unholy cloak of literature? If not, then I don't expect this play to be anything special. The New England dialect constantly reminded me of the Ying Yang Twins ("Ah-yup!"), and the actions of the characters are regrettable. O'Neill's genius lies in adapting Greek Tragedy in a way that his own plays are distinct. He doesn't strictly adhere to plot points, sometimes strays from or combines themes, but the powerful, indeed holy essence crafted centuries ago by those master playwrights is preserved and, if not expanded upon, at least given worthy justice. At their best, O'Neill's adaptations have clarified their Greek predecessors in ways that countless re-readings of the originals could hardly achieve. Furthermore, given the subject matter of such tragedies - filial duty, fate, love, sex, death - O'Neill, via the Greeks, has helped me better understand myself.

That, my friends, is the magic of literature come to life.

These are three remarkable O'Neill plays. They were renowned and highly regarded during their era, composed prior to the release of his widely recognized masterpieces that were more overtly autobiographical, like Long Day's Journey into Night.

Among the three plays, in my opinion, Mourning Becomes Electra is the weakest and most artificial. To be precise, it's not a bad play - O'Neill has the talent to write flawed but not bad plays. However, it is the one that feels the most forced in its construction to reach a tragic ending.

The other two plays are more engaging and impactful. Desire Under the Elms reads similar to a Tennessee Williams drama, with a disturbingly dark atmosphere, except it is set in New England instead of the South. Strange Interlude is very much in the Freudian vein, with the characters' thoughts being 'spoken' in addition to their actual dialogues with each other. It is also extremely convoluted and highly effective in the way the flaws of the male and female characters lead them to a strange interdependence.

All of these plays are worthy of being read as O'Neill is a great writer. Nevertheless, they are not the pinnacle of his works, although one can clearly discern the themes that recur throughout his body of work.

O'Neill channels Greek Oedipal tragedies strongly in this collection.

The characters, to a great extent, seem quite two dimensional. However, this is precisely the intended point.

The tragedies and deaths that unfold in each work are set in motion right at the beginning.

Each player is bound to play their role to bring about the ordained retribution.

I have read Desire Under the Elms on several occasions.

Nonetheless, I find Mourning Becomes Electra to be a better exposition of a dysfunctional, vindictive, and jealous family.

This play delves deeper into the complex web of emotions and relationships within the family, painting a more vivid and disturbing picture of their turmoil.

The characters in Mourning Becomes Electra are more fully developed, and their actions and motives are more nuanced.

It is a powerful exploration of the human psyche and the destructive forces that can tear a family apart.

Overall, while both works have their merits, Mourning Becomes Electra stands out as a more profound and impactful piece of literature.

How many more men with an Oedipal complex does this world need???

This question seems to be rather thought-provoking. The Oedipal complex, a concept in psychology, refers to a child's unconscious sexual desire for the opposite-sex parent. When we consider how many more men with such a complex the world requires, it makes us wonder about the implications and consequences.

In our society, the presence of the Oedipal complex can have various manifestations. It might affect a man's relationships, both romantic and with family members. It could lead to difficulties in forming healthy attachments or cause conflicts within the family dynamic.

Moreover, understanding the prevalence of the Oedipal complex can also shed light on broader social issues. It may be related to gender roles, power dynamics, and the way individuals develop and interact. By exploring this question, we can gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and psychology, and perhaps find ways to address any potential problems that may arise from it.

In conclusion, the question of how many more men with an Oedipal complex the world needs is not only a matter of psychological interest but also has significant implications for our social and personal lives.

In my top five of all the books I've ever read, this particular one stands out. It has such an amazing parallel to Aeschylus' Oresteia trilogy. The way the story unfolds and the themes it explores are truly captivating.

Every page is filled with rich details and emotions that draw the reader in and keep them engaged until the very end. I absolutely love it. It's not just a book, but an experience that takes you on a journey through different worlds and perspectives.

The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading and is looking for something unique and thought-provoking. It's definitely a must-read.

Two stars for Desire Under the Elms

This probably wasn't the best O'Neill drama to start off with. For me, it was coarse and dark. The story seemed to lack a certain finesse. None of the characters were really likable. Maybe that was the point, but it made it difficult for me to fully engage with the play. The action was fast-moving and even a bit crazed. It felt as if everything was happening too quickly, without enough time for the characters to develop in a truly believable way. Overall, it just wasn't to my taste. However, I still might try to read the others in the volume, hoping to find something that would resonate with me more.

Update on April 30, 2011:

Four stars for Strange Interlude

In contrast to DUtE, Strange Interlude was more engaging and believable, albeit in a disturbingly so way. The strength of this work lies in O'Neill's use of stream of consciousness, or in drama terminology, the asides. I'm not quite sure how successfully such a feature could be effectively staged, but I found it a wonderful representation of how the human mind works. Within seconds, one's thoughts can move from hatred to shame, from jealousy to regret, from resolve to acquiescence. It was a fascinating exploration of the human psyche.

Four stars for Mourning Becomes Electra

This is my favorite O'Neill play so far. It has all the elements that make a great drama: complex characters, a compelling plot, and powerful themes. The story is both tragic and thought-provoking, and it really makes you think about the nature of love, revenge, and family. I highly recommend this play to anyone who is interested in drama or literature.

A good reading is an essential part of our lives. It not only enriches our knowledge but also broadens our horizons. When we engage in a good reading, we are transported to different worlds, experiencing various emotions and perspectives.

A good book can be a source of inspiration, motivation, and entertainment. It can make us laugh, cry, and think deeply. It can also help us to relax and unwind after a long day.

Moreover, a good reading habit can improve our language skills, vocabulary, and comprehension. It can enhance our critical thinking abilities and make us more informed and well-rounded individuals.

In conclusion, a good reading is a valuable investment of our time and energy. It has the power to transform our lives and make us better people. So, let's make reading a regular part of our daily routine and enjoy the countless benefits it has to offer.

I am really excited as I am planning on seeing the Broadway production of "Desire Under the Elms" with a co-worker.

The story of this play is indeed tragic, delving into the complex and often dark emotions of the characters. However, what makes it truly captivating is the vernacular of the characters. It is not only fun but also quick-paced, which manages to keep the audience engaged despite the overall darkness of the storyline.

The combination of the tragic narrative and the lively dialogue creates a unique and powerful theatrical experience. I can't wait to witness it on the Broadway stage and see how the actors bring these characters and their story to life.

I'm sure it will be a memorable and thought-provoking evening that my co-worker and I will cherish.

So much darker than I had initially imagined.

Passions run high, greed lurks in the shadows, murder rears its ugly head, and jealousy festers throughout these plays.

The truly amazing aspect is that despite being period pieces, they possess an uncanny ability to be presented in the here and now and still resonate deeply with modern audiences.

In my humble opinion, the strongest of the plays was Strange Interlude. Its complex characters and intricate plot kept me on the edge of my seat.

On the other hand, Mourning Becomes Electra was, in my view, the weakest of the three.

The version I read was truly remarkable. It went above and beyond the classical stage directions, almost as if the play had been purposefully novelized.

This added an extra layer of depth and made it much richer and easier to vividly imagine the scenes unfolding before my eyes.

It was a truly immersive experience that left a lasting impression on me.

A pretty good read indeed. When compared to O’Neill’s greatest works, these three plays don’t shine as brightly. However, that doesn’t mean they lack merit. Strange Interlude, in particular, is interesting for its experimentation. It delves into the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters in a unique way.

All three plays are deeply moving. They touch on themes such as love, loss, and the human condition. O’Neill has a talent for creating complex and relatable characters that draw the reader in and make them care about what happens to them.

Despite not being his absolute best, these plays are still well worth reading. They offer a glimpse into the mind of one of America’s greatest playwrights and showcase his ability to tell powerful stories that resonate with audiences. Whether you’re a fan of O’Neill or simply interested in good drama, these plays are sure to provide an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

O'Neill was actively channeling Greek Drama when he churned out these plays.

This is the reason why they are so monumental and deliberate. Some might unkindly say that they are occasionally stilted, and they are laced with sins and expiations greater than most mortal lives can contain.

I remember this much from my high school English classes. However, it would have been nice if this edition had included a little critical introduction discussing the playwright's influences or explaining just how anyone managed to stage Strange Interlude when it's nine bloody acts long. That's 185 pages, boys and girls. Unless showrunners trimmed the thing by removing all the dialogue asides, sitting through that must have felt like sitting through Les Miserables twice.

Still, you have to give O'Neill credit for having the courage to tackle a complete re-working of Aeschylus's Orestia and create the intermittently fabulous Mourning Becomes Electra. This was easily the highlight of the three plays collected here. It's fascinating to read MBE immediately after its source material, if only because it makes you speculate what the Orestia will look like two thousand years from now when the next talented guy decides to retell it to reflect the hang-ups of his day.