The Hairy Ape: A Modern Tragedy Revisited

Learn Further ▾ Background Plot Summary Themes Quotes Character Analysis Symbolism Motifs Q&As As Modern Tragedy As Expressionist Play As Social Satire Alienation & identity While not a conventional tragedy in the Aristotelian sense, "The Hairy Ape" by Eugene O'Neill offers a compelling exploration of human suffering and societal limitations through the lens of Yank, a working-class stoker who grapples with disillusionment and the search for belonging. Yank's initial belief in his own power and centrality, seeing himself as the unseen force driving the world, positions him as a figure of potential greatness. This initial hubristic stance aligns with the classic tragic hero, setting the stage for a dramatic fall from grace. However, unlike traditional heroes whose downfall is often triggered by a single flaw or error in judgment, Yank's tragedy unfolds through a series of encounters that expose the harsh realities of social class and shatter his illusions of self-import…