Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part A (2023)

In Eugene O’Neill’s The Hairy Ape, the theme of alienation and belonging is prominent. Yank, the protagonist, experiences profound alienation as he grapples with his place in society. His search for belonging leads him through different social classes, highlighting its dehumanizing effects of industrialization, and the struggle for identity in a rapidly changing world. The play explores how one's sense of self can be shattered by societal forces, emphasizing the harsh consequences of alienation, and the yearning for meaningful connections. Eugene O’Neill, in his play The Hairy Ape explores the sense of dehumanization and alienation in the personality of the protagonist of the play. The use of stark contrasts, vivid symbolism, and exaggerated emotions reflects the playwright’s commentary on societal issues. In his plays he shows that society as soulless and mechanical. The purpose of the present study is to explore the sense of belongingness and alienation deep rooted in the play and the psychological implications of society on the life of the protagonist.