The Hairy Ape by Eugene O'Neill critical analysis

 

The Hairy Ape is the most significant piece of expressionist drama written by American playwright Eugene O'Neill in 1922. The dramatist explores some social issues such as class struggle, identity crisis, alienation, and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization.

The Hairy Ape is often considered a prime American example of expressionist drama. Expressionism seeks to convey the emotional and psychological experiences of the characters through distorted, symbolic, and often bleak portrayals of reality. In this play, O'Neill uses expressionist techniques to depict the dehumanization of the working class in an industrial modern society.

The Protagonist, Yank: The central character of the play is Yank, a hefty and uneducated stoker on an ocean liner. Yank's nickname, "the hairy ape," reflects both his physical appearance and his sense of being a social outcast. Yank represents predicaments of a working-class man, alienated and marginalized in a world driven by machines and capitalism. His journey in the play serves as a metaphor for the dehumanizing impact of industrialization.

O'Neill points the stark division between the working-class and the upper-class. Yank's encounter with Mildred Douglas, a wealthy young woman, exposes the stark social hierarchy. His obsession with her and his subsequent disillusionment when she rejects him highlights the invincible class barriers of the time. Yank's feeling of alienation intensifies as the play progresses.

 

The play vividly portrays the dehumanizing effects of industrialization. The ship's engine room, where Yank works, is a symbol of the unsympathetic, mechanical world that crushes the humanity out of its workers. Yank's transformation from a proud and powerful worker to a broken and desperate man mirrors the dehumanization of the working class in an industrialized society.

 

Symbolism and Imageries

 O'Neill uses symbolism and powerful imageries throughout the play. The caged gorilla in the zoo, which Yank identifies with, symbolizes his own captivity in the ruthless world. The repeated references to "the hairy ape" highlight Yank's sense of otherness and his inability to fit into society.

The play culminates in a tragic and violent climax when Yank confronts his sense of isolation and powerlessness. His final cry, "I ain't deh no more," underscores his complete loss of identity and nowhere belongingness in the world. This ending is a stark commentary on the devastating consequences of social alienation.

The Hairy Ape is a scathing critique of the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and class inequality. O'Neill uses Yank's story to shed light on the plight of the working class and the crushing weight of a society that values machinery over humanity. The play certainly offers a poignant commentary on the social injustices and human costs of the industrial age.

Yank's journey can also be seen as a search for meaning in a world that seems to have lost its moral compass. His encounters with different characters, including Mildred, Paddy, and the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World) members, all contribute to his evolving understanding of life's purpose.

Symbolism: The play employs symbolism extensively. The cage, the gorilla, and the stokehole are all symbolic elements representing Yank's confinement, his animalistic nature, and his place in society, respectively.

Eugene O'Neill uses Yank's character to symbolize the struggles and alienation of the working class in a rapidly changing world, making the play a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.