Eine Hauptseminararbeit, die unter Berücksichtigung der psychoanalytischen Lesart des Freudschen Elektra-Komplexes das Drama Mourning Becomes Elektra untersucht, wobei versucht wird, die klassische Lesart durch eine differenziertere Analyse mit Hilfe einer Dreiecksbeziehung der verschiedenen Charaktere, zu überkommen.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction: Freud and O’Neill so far
II. Freudian background of Mourning Becomes Electra
III. The Oedipal triangles in Mourning Becomes Electra
A) Ezra – Christine – Orin
B) Ezra – Christine – Vinnie
C) Ezra – Christine – Adam Brant
D) Adam Brant – Christine – Vinnie
E) Adam Brant – Christine – Orin
F) Vinnie – Peter – Orin
IV. The Interconnecting of the Oedipal triangles
V. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper explores the structural role of Oedipal triangles within Eugene O’Neill's Mourning Becomes Electra, arguing that these interpersonal constellations serve as the primary driving force of the play's plot, rather than being mere reflections of Freudian theory. By analyzing the interconnectivity of various character groupings, the study demonstrates how the Mannon family's inability to resolve their Oedipal complexes leads to a chain reaction of destruction and transformation.
- The application of Freudian and Jungian concepts in modern drama
- Examination of individual Oedipal triangles within the Mannon family
- Analysis of the interconnectivity between overlapping triangular structures
- The role of the characters' heredity and family fate as a dramatic engine
- The shift from ancient Greek archetypes to psychological character-driven narrative
Excerpt from the Book
A) Ezra – Christine – Orin
Though titled after Electra, the predominant pair of lovers in Mourning Becomes Electra is the mother-son, because their relation lasts a lot longer than the father-daughter’s. Put bluntly, the male Mannons in some way take their female love objects as mother substitutes and the women regard them as their sons (Barlow 172). Against this works the strong love of Ezra Mannon, the rightful spouse of Christine, who wants to win back her lost love. (O’Neill 89-92)
That Orin wants to take his father’s place after his death is extremely stressed in the play, especially in The Haunted. Christine: Poor boy! Does it [his wound] pain now? Orin: Not much. Not all when your hand is there. […] Gosh, Mother, it feels so darned good to be home with you!” (Ibid. 135) Then, Orin makes his mother compliments about her good looks, which Christine enjoys. (Ibid. 136) He additionally puts his mother above everything else in his life: “You come before everything!” (Ibid. 138) O’Neill lets Orin emphasize his incestuous feelings openly (Borchers 100). He often dreams about him and Christine to be on a remote island where both could lead a happy life without being bothered by others.
Summary of Chapters
I. Introduction: Freud and O’Neill so far: Outlines the critical debate regarding O’Neill’s use of psychoanalytical motifs and establishes the thesis that the Mannon family structure is the key to understanding the play’s internal logic.
II. Freudian background of Mourning Becomes Electra: Provides a theoretical foundation by explaining the Oedipus and Electra complexes as formulated by Freud and Jung, highlighting their influence on the character development in the play.
III. The Oedipal triangles in Mourning Becomes Electra: Conducts a detailed investigation into the various interpersonal triangles (e.g., Ezra-Christine-Orin, Vinnie-Peter-Orin) and explains how these individual dynamics function within the broader narrative.
IV. The Interconnecting of the Oedipal triangles: Examines how the different triangles overlap and affect one another, demonstrating that the destruction of one structure inevitably triggers the formation of another.
V. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, arguing that the true strength of the play lies in its depiction of a network of relationships where heredity and family fate determine the tragic outcome.
Keywords
Mourning Becomes Electra, Eugene O’Neill, Oedipal triangle, psychoanalysis, family structure, Sigmund Freud, Carl-Gustav Jung, Mannon family, incestuous desire, interpersonal relations, Electra complex, dramatic tension, tragedy, modern drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the structural function of Oedipal triangles within the Mannon family as portrayed in Eugene O’Neill's Mourning Becomes Electra.
What are the primary thematic fields addressed?
The work covers psychoanalytical drama, the evolution of family dynamics, the concept of psychological fate, and the adaptation of Greek tragedy into modern psychological narrative.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to prove that the interconnected nature of these triangular relationships acts as the "motor" of the play, driving the plot forward through a cycle of destruction and reconfiguration.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The author employs a comparative and structural analysis, utilizing psychoanalytical theory (Freud/Jung) to examine interpersonal character networks within the dramatic text.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body breaks down the specific triangular relationships (e.g., parent-child and lover dynamics), explains the interplay between these structures, and analyzes how character actions within these triangles dictate the trilogy's outcome.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Oedipal triangles, Mourning Becomes Electra, psychological fate, family structure, and interpersonal drama.
How does the author characterize the role of the father in the Ezra-Christine-Orin triangle?
The father is characterized as being largely absent or silent, yet his lingering presence maintains the psychological tension of the triangle for the son, Orin.
Why is the change in Lavinia's character considered a "total metamorphosis"?
It is described as such because she transitions from a stiff, wooden character to an emotional and feminine figure who actively assumes her mother's role after her voyage to Asia.
What is the author's view on the influence of psychoanalysis on O’Neill?
The author concludes that while O’Neill was familiar with Freudian concepts and influenced by his own treatment, the play's effectiveness stems primarily from the sophisticated networking of character relations rather than a rigid adherence to psychoanalytical theory.
- Quote paper
- Moritz Tonk (Author), 2010, The Oedipal triangular structure and its significance for "Mourning Becomes Electra", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/165744
