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Volume : I, Issue : VIII, September - 2011 Use of Symbolism in Desire Under the Elms Beena A. Mahida Published By : Laxmi Book Publication Abstract : Eugene O'Neil was a famous American dramatist. He was born on 16th October 1888. He is not only an outstanding
dramatist of America but also of the world in the 20th Century. He shows in his plays man battling with harsh
environment and with his own inner passions, instincts, and intuitions. Desire Under the Elms is his first great
tragedy which shows the tragic possibilities of man's involvement with the mother image. It is highly inspired by the
psychoanalytical theories of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. The play deals with adultery, insanity and possessiveness
which is presented by applying symbolic techniques by O'Neil. The play is divided into three parts, each part having
four scenes. The time is the year 1850 and the setting is a New England farm and the farm house , “Cabot Farm
House.” The dramatist has made the use of symbolism in the play it is evident from the setting of the play itself.
The house is in good condition, “but in need of paint.” There are two enormous Elms trees on each side of the house.
They bend their trailing branches down over the roof of the house which again is very symbolic as it suggests to
protect the house. These two Elms also symbolize mother image whose presence is felt throughout the play. Keywords : Article : Cite This Article : Beena A. Mahida, (2011). Use of Symbolism in Desire Under the Elms. Indian Streams Research Journal, Vol. I, Issue. VIII, http://oldisrj.lbp.world/UploadedData/478.pdf References : - O'Neil, Eugene. Desire Under the Elms, Surjeet Publication.
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