Eugene O'Neill and The Hairy Ape Background
Learn Further ▾ Background Plot Summary Themes Quotes Character Analysis Symbolism Motifs Q&As As Modern Tragedy As Expressionist Play As Social Satire Alienation & identity Early Life and Education Eugene O'Neill was born in New York City on October 16, 1888, to James and Ella O'Neill. His father, James, was a successful touring actor, and his mother, Ella, traveled with him. Eugene spent most of his childhood on the road, with summers in their home in New London, Connecticut. He attended boarding schools and briefly studied at Princeton University in 1906-1907. Early Adulthood and Career Beginnings After leaving Princeton, O'Neill pursued what he called "life experience," including working at sea and living in destitution in various cities. He struggled with alcoholism and attempted suicide before beginning to recover at age twenty-four. He worked as a reporter until illness forced him to quit and spend six months in a sanitarium. During his recovery, O'Neill studied pla…