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Complete Plays #1

Eugene O'Neill: Complete Plays 1913–1920

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The only American dramatist awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, Eugene O’Neill wrote with poetic expressiveness, emotional intensity, and immense dramatic power. This Library of America volume (the first in a three-volume set) contains 29 plays he wrote between 1913, when he began his career, and 1920, the year he first achieved Broadway success.

Many of O’Neill’s early plays are one-act melodramas whose characters are caught in extreme situations. Thirst and Fog depict shipwreck survivors, The Web a young mother trapped in the New York underworld, and Abortion the aftermath of a college student’s affair with a stenographer.

His first distinctive works are four one-act plays about the crew of the tramp steamer Glencairn that render sailors’ speech with masterful faithfulness. Bound East for Cardiff, In the Zone, The Long Voyage Home, and The Moon of the Caribbees portray these “children of the sea” as they watch over a dying man, sail though submarine-patrolled waters, take their shore leave in a London dive, and drink rum in a moonlit tropical anchorage.

In Beyond the Horizon Robert Mayo begins a tragic chain of events by abandoning his dream of a life at sea, choosing instead to marry the woman his brother loves and remain on his family farm. The sea in “Anna Christie” is both “dat ole devil” to coal barge captain Chris Christopherson and a source of spiritual cleansing to his daughter Anna, an embittered prostitute. When a swaggering stoker falls in love with her, Anna becomes the apex of a three-sided struggle full of enraged pride, grim foreboding, and stubborn hope. Both of these plays won the Pulitzer Prize and helped establish O’Neill as a successful Broadway playwright.

The Emperor Jones depicts the nightmarish journey through a West Indian forest of Brutus Jones, a former Pullman porter turned island ruler. Fleeing his rebellious subjects, Jones confronts his violent deeds and the tortured history of his race in a series of hallucinatory episodes whose expressionist quality anticipates many of O’Neill’s later plays.

1107 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1,1988
Series
Complete Plays

This edition

Format
1107 pages, Hardcover
Published
October 1, 1988 by Library of America
ISBN
9780940450486
ASIN
0940450488
Language
English

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eugene o/neill

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Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 8 votes)
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8 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
-light420-
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A Wife For Life, The Web, Thirst, Recklessness, Warnings, Fog, Bread and Butter, Bound East for Cardiff, Abortion, The Movie Man, Servitude, The Sniper, The Personal Equation - these are all works that were completed on 04.29.21.

Before Breakfast, Now I Ask You, In the Zone, Ile, The Long Voyage Home, The Moon of the Caribbees, The Rope, Beyond the Horizon, Shell Shock, The Dreamy Kid, Where the Cross is Made - these were finished on 05.28.22.

The Straw, Chris Christophersen, Gold, "Anna Christie", The Emperor Jones - these were completed on 03.28.23. Each of these works likely has its own unique story, characters, and themes. They may explore different aspects of life, love, society, and the human condition. Some may be fictional, while others could be based on real events or experiences. The dates of completion also give us an idea of the author's creative output over time. It would be interesting to study each of these works in more detail to understand their significance and impact.

Perhaps some of these works have become classics, while others may be less well-known. Regardless, they all contribute to the rich tapestry of literature and offer us a glimpse into the minds and hearts of their creators.
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Tylee1O
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This first volume, which is one of three, of O’Neill’s complete plays concludes on a powerful note with “Anna Christie” and “The Emperor Jones”. However, it took O’Neill, and it will also take the reader, some time to reach that point.

Over the course of the period covered in this volume, he demonstrates significant improvement. Nevertheless, his earliest efforts still have ample room for enhancement.

If not all of his earliest works had been included, this volume would have presented a stronger showing. It is clear that O’Neill was in a process of growth and development as a playwright during this time. The inclusion of his earlier plays allows us to see the evolution of his style and themes, but it also means that there are some rough edges and less polished pieces.

Despite this, the strength of “Anna Christie” and “The Emperor Jones” shows the potential that O’Neill had and sets the stage for the great works that were to come in the subsequent volumes.
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sharrez
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A truly great experience awaits as one delves into the works of O'Neill. It all begins with his early, rather糟糕的, attempts at writing plays, which then progress through an arduous process of development. The final plays presented in this book, particularly Anna Christie and The Emperor Jones, showcase some of the remarkable strengths that are characteristic of O'Neill's mature works. I am now about to embark on volumes 2 and 3 of this set, eager to reach the end of his career and uncover more of his literary treasures. This has proven to be an incredibly enjoyable project. I have been a devoted fan of O'Neill for decades, yet it is only now that I am truly getting to know him on a deeper level.

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diedrupo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I read a couple of the plays here.

It's not my favorite thing to read, especially those from that time period. The dialogue in them is overly dramatic and seems likely to be contrived based on stereotypes.

I believe that his later works are the ones where he received the most acclaim.

Perhaps it's because as he matured as a writer, he was able to break free from some of the more formulaic and cliched ways of writing.

His later plays might have had more complex characters and more nuanced storylines that appealed to a wider audience.

However, it's also important to note that the plays from that earlier time period still have their own charm and historical significance.

They can give us a glimpse into the cultural and social context of the time and help us understand how theater has evolved over the years.

Overall, while I may not be a huge fan of the plays I read from that particular time period, I can still appreciate the efforts and talent that went into creating them.
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
Realm_
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Bound East for Cardiff is a remarkable work that takes the readers on a captivating journey.

Beyond the Horizon, another masterpiece, explores the depths of human dreams and aspirations.

“Anna Christie” delves into the complex relationships and emotions of its characters, leaving a lasting impact.

The Emperor Jones is a powerful play that showcases the struggles and conflicts within a man.

These works by Eugene O'Neill are not only literary gems but also offer profound insights into the human condition. They transport us to different worlds and make us reflect on our own lives.

Whether it's the harsh realities of life at sea in Bound East for Cardiff or the longing for something more in Beyond the Horizon, each story has its own unique charm.

“Anna Christie” and The Emperor Jones further enrich our understanding of the human psyche and the forces that shape our lives.

Overall, Eugene O'Neill's works are a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the beauty and complexity of literature.
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wallus81
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A Wife for a Life

The Web

Thirst

Recklessness

Warnings

Bread and Butter

Bound East for Cardiff

These are all interesting and perhaps somewhat mysterious titles. They could potentially be the names of short stories, novels, or even plays. Each title seems to hint at a different theme or concept. "A Wife for a Life" might suggest a story about the search for a life partner or the challenges and joys of marriage. "The Web" could imply a complex and intertwined plot, perhaps involving secrets or a web of lies. "Thirst" might refer to a character's longing or desire for something, whether it be love, success, or something else entirely. "Recklessness" could indicate a character who acts without thinking, leading to consequences that they may not have anticipated. "Warnings" might suggest a story that contains elements of danger or caution, perhaps a warning about a particular behavior or situation. "Bread and Butter" could be a more lighthearted title, perhaps referring to the simple pleasures of life or the importance of basic necessities. "Bound East for Cardiff" might imply a journey or adventure, with Cardiff being the destination.

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TheMangaReviewer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Read the one-act play, "The Long Voyage Home," pp. 507 - 23.

This play, though brief, has a profound and very affecting impact.

It takes the reader on a journey that is filled with emotions and experiences.

The characters are vividly portrayed, and their struggles and hopes come to life on the page.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

Despite its short length, it manages to convey a powerful message about life, love, and the human condition.

The dialogue is sharp and realistic, adding to the authenticity of the play.

Overall, "The Long Voyage Home" is a remarkable piece of work that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

It is a testament to the power of good writing and the ability of a short play to touch the heart and soul.
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Lpopo4lyfe
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is probably more than anyone should read of what the author himself wished suppressed.

Unless, of course, you are after an up-close look at just how much a writer has to produce before there is anything that is truly worth paying attention to.

Or perhaps there is some comfort to be found in noting that progress is not a linear path. It is instead full of backsliding and those unaccountable leaps forward.

The journey of a writer is often a complex and unpredictable one. There are countless drafts, revisions, and moments of self-doubt. But it is through this process that something of value may eventually emerge.

So, while this may be more than the author intended for others to see, it offers a unique perspective on the often arduous task of creating something meaningful in the world of writing.
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