Taoism In Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh

The critical studies of Eugene O'Neill range from general discussions of his works to discussions that focus on his theatrical techniques, his tragic vision, his sensitivity to the impact of black and immigrant minorities in American life, and the treatment of women in his plays. The study of Eugene O'Neill from the angle of Oriental influence is a comparatively less explored area. A minor branch as it is, it is yet significant in O'Neill criticism. Although 0'Neill's Orientalism has been studied by some critics in both the East and the West, few monographs at home and abroad have specifically discussed the influence of Taoism, a particular school of Eastern philosophy, which, as O'Neill asserted, appealed to him more than other schools of Oriental thoughts. In order to compensate for this limitation, the present thesis sets out to provide a relatively thorough study of Taoist influence on O'Neill's art. The author focuses on The Iceman Cometh to examine the influence of Taoist principles.This play is one of the most successful plays of O'Neill and is the first one which is written in the Tao House. The derelicts'spiritual wasteland still has its own modern meaning. And this play, from the theme to the setting, from the style to the protagonists, is influenced by the Taoism fully. The Taoist ideas of non-action, opposites of Yin and Yang, circular movement and other ideas all present in the play.Taoist element is evident in the play The Iceman Cometh. This thesis consists of four parts besides the introduction. Firstly, the relationship between O'Neill and Taoism is examined to show the affinities of O'Neill with the ancient Chinese philosophy. His Irish Heritage, Catholic school background and miserable childhood all contributed his turn to Taoism. His considerable reading in Taoism in 1920s, the influence of his third wife Carlotta and his building and years in the"Tao House"all showed his affection to Taoism. Secondly, comparing the style and subject matter with those of the plays O'Neill wrote in his early years to prove that the Taoist idea of return and circular movement has been found their clear expression in the play. Thirdly, the life station and passivity of the derelicts in the hotel are shaped by another important principle of Taoism,"non-action"or"Wu Wei". To the main characters, life is a lie of pipe dreams which accords to Zhuang Tsu's view that life is as a dream or an illusion. Fourthly, the dynamic polarity"Yin and Yang"helps O'Neill develop a dynamic vision of reality and balance the thematic opposites between life and death, love and hatred. Even the setting of the characters shows the principle of the view the opposites of Taoism.Derived from the detailed analysis of the play The Iceman Cometh, this conclusion can be drawn: the Taoist influence permeates many aspects of the play: subject matter, style, characterization, plot and the theme. Thus, the study of the influence on O'Neill's play is proved to be useful and significance.