题目（英文）An Analysis of the Tragedy of Desire under the Elms
题目（中文）《榆树下的欲望》的悲剧解析
Abstract
This paper first analyzes the main expressive techniques to represent the tragedy in this play，then it explores the main causes of the tragedy from two aspects. With the influence of materialism, Cabots’ continuous strive for their insatiable wealth seriously distorted their human nature. Distorted human nature，including coldness among people，decay of morality and destruction of self is another fatal cause of the tragedy.The whole play is analyzed in the perspective of tragedy, while the tragic nature of this play was discussed on the basis of the ideological foundation of O’Neill in Desire under the Elms —Materialism. The thesis aims at digging out the inherent meaning and artistic value of Desire under the Elms on the basis of the other predecessors’ productions. There are some expressive techniques to discuss the tragedy in this play and many symbols to present the tragedy. The analysis of Desire under the Elms from the angle of tragic sense can help people to find out the roots of tragedies in their daily lives, but also to find the way to prevent the tragedies.
Key words: tragedy; materialism; coldness；Eugene O'Neill；Desire under the Elms
Contents
Abstract 1
contents 2
1. Introduction 3
2. An overview of the tragedy 3
3. The embodiment of tragedy········································· 4
3.1 Exaggeration 4
3.2 Deformation 4
3.3 Symbolism 5
4. The main reason for the tragedy 6
4.1 Destructive materialism 6
4.1.1 Abbie’s undue desire for the farm 6
4.1.2 Old Cabot’s excessive desire for wealth 7
4.1.3 Eben and his brothers’ irrational desire for possession 7
4.2 Distorted human nature 8
4.2.1 Coldness among people 8
4.2.2 Decay of morality 8
4.2.3 Destruction of self 9
5. Conclusion 10
Works Cited 11
