Eugene O’Neill’s “The Hairy Ape” can be seen as a modern tragedy that explores the struggles and alienation of the working class in early 20th century America. The play follows the story of Yank, a ship laborer who feels disconnected from society and struggles to find his place in the world. Yank’s journey can be seen as a modern-day tragedy because it highlights the ways in which the working class is marginalized and oppressed in modern society.
Like classical tragedies, “The Hairy Ape” features a tragic hero whose downfall is the result of a tragic flaw. In Yank’s case, his tragic flaw is his inability to understand the nature of his own identity and his place in society. Yank’s identification with the steel of the ship and the machinery of the city reflects his sense of being dehumanized and reduced to a mere cog in the industrial machine. He feels alienated from his own humanity and from the society around him, and this alienation ultimately leads to his tragic downfall.
Another key aspect of “The Hairy Ape” as a modern tragedy is the play’s critique of modern society and its values. O’Neill uses Yank’s story to expose the hypocrisy and cruelty of the upper class and the indifference of the middle class to the plight of the working poor. Yank’s violent outbursts and his eventual imprisonment for attacking Mildred Douglas highlight the destructive consequences of class conflict and the sense of hopelessness felt by working-class people who believe they are powerless to change their situation.
O’Neill’s use of symbolism is also key to the play’s status as a modern tragedy. The frequent references to the zoo, where Yank is compared to an ape, underscore the idea that the working class is viewed as less than human by the upper class. The play’s title itself is a symbol of the dehumanization and degradation of the working class, who are reduced to being little more than “hairy apes” in the eyes of the upper class. The use of symbolism in the play helps to create a sense of universality, allowing audiences to connect with Yank’s story and to see it as a commentary on the human condition.
Despite its tragic elements, “The Hairy Ape” also contains moments of hope and redemption. Yank’s relationship with Paddy and Long, his fellow ship workers, shows that solidarity and connection can be found even in the most difficult of circumstances. The play’s critique of the labor movement of the time, represented by the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), also highlights the potential for social change and the need for a more inclusive and empathetic social order.
In conclusion, “The Hairy Ape” can be seen as a modern tragedy that explores the struggles and alienation of the working class in early 20th century America. Yank’s tragic journey exposes the deep divisions and inequalities that exist within American society, and highlights the need for a more inclusive and empathetic social order. Through the use of symbolism and its biting critique of modern society, “The Hairy Ape” remains a powerful and timeless work that speaks to the ongoing struggles of the working class and the need for social justice and equality.