Eugene Gladstone O’Neill was one of the most famous playwrights of the 20th century to create meaningful drama at a time when the American dramatists were locked in standard commercial practices. He spent several years at sea, where he suffered from depression. In spite of his suffering, he had a deep love for the sea.
He had written more one act sea plays than any other writer in the field of American literature. Moreover, he echoes the life of seamen in a significant manner through his one act plays. Through his Glencairn plays, he diverted the attention of the public towards seamen. In all his early plays, we find obsessive characters; limited in their freedom due to fate or internal factors. His characters always face a tragic end and their wishes are not fulfilled in this world.
Extensive research has been carried out on O’Neill’s long plays and no stone is left unturned. His one act plays provide scope for further research to the researchers who are interested to carry out their research on O’Neill. This book attempts to provide a critical analysis of O’Neill’s nine one act plays based on sea. Possible themes that may be explored in the plays are highlighted in the conclusion chapter. This book would be of immense help to those who aspire to do research in sea literature especially on O’Neill.
I thank my family, friends and well-wishers who helped me with their valuable ideas. Suggestions for further improvement of this edition are most welcome from you.
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