느릅나무 慾望의 底流가 되어 있는 寫實과 象徵의 硏究 = A Study of Realism Symbolism in Engene O'Neil's "Desire Under the Elms"

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

A. S. Downer says that “Desire Under the Elms”is one of the most brilliant summits in American modern drama. The noted Japanese scholar who majors in Eugene O'Neil, Inoue, Souzi, presents the three methods of explanation of “Desire Under the Elm”.In it, he emphasizes “who is the hero in this drama”depends on “what is symbolizing the elm tree”. So, I think, it is very interesting problem to decide on “who is the hero in this drama”. Inoue Souzi gives his support to Cabot theory in his explanation of “Desire Under the Elms”(see example 1).
In my opinion, I think that when he criticizes this drama from this standpoint, he makes a lot of mistakes in his study method.
In this study, I have taken Quinn's Cabot theory, Clark's Abbie theory, and Skinner's Eben theory and tried to make it clear that the hero of this drama is Eben because the elm tree symbolizes none other than Eben's late mother.
The study obtained here through the three theories is:
1. A. H. Quinn's Cabot theory
Quinn says that old Cabot is the hero of this drama, for the description of Abbie and Eben are ambiguous, and old Cabot is greedy (see example 2), but his warm hearted character has been depicted very well through this whole drama (see example 3). He still emphasizes Cabot is the hero, for this drama has formed a story around old Cabot. Mentioning Eben's character, he emphasizes that Eben is their mixed son who was born between his father's desire to posses and his mother's timid character. In my opinion, I think, I am sorry hi comments only Cabot realistic drawing.
2. B. H. Clark's Abbie theory
Clark criticizes that this drama is the discord between the puritanic commandment that old Cabot is eager to pursue and the liberal thoughts of the romantic future generations whom his sons are trying to get rid of. The Puritan commandments are often being censured everywhere. (see example 4-7)
Clark gives his support to Abbie theory. His theory interest the scholars who major in Eugene O'Neil. But I think, in his theory, he comments only his realistic explanations who are entirely due to his disregard of symbolic beings.
3. R. D. Skinner's Eben Theory
Skinner says that Eben is the hero of this drama, although old Cabot seems as if he were master of the whole drama. Skinner also says that O'Neil has depicted this drama in the same symbolic expression as Greek Incest tragedy had had. We know he has depicted “Dynamo”and“Mouring becomes Electra”in the same way. Skinner says that Eben's character and looks(see example 9) have suited exactly in those of elm tree. (see example8)
Eben's ghastly looks that has been well harmonized with that of elm tree have given the theme and emited the mysterious atmosphere. (see example 10-18).
4. O'Neil's symbolic world
The elm tree that has been emited their horrible shadow is Eben's late mother's spirit, and they are beckonning to Eben to revenge for his mother. The shadow of the elm tree that have been rooted deeply through the whole drama are symbolizing tacitly the unlucky sinister tragic omen of the Cabot. I think “Desire Under the Elm”is well harmonized with the both of realism and symbolism just like the harmony of the male and female principles, and made one of the most brilliant summits in American modern drama. (see ezample.19-28).