| Strange Interlude, one of the masterpieces of the "Father of American Drama"—Eugene O’Neill, is not only new in form, but also is embodied with rich ethical thoughts, which are worthy of research.Adopting ethical literary criticism as the theoretical framework, this thesis conducts a close examination of the female protagonist—Nina Leeds. By analyzing Nina’s ethical identities, ethical confusion and ethical choices against the historical and dialectic ethical background, this thesis aims to reveal the ethical reasons for Nina’s tragedy.This thesis comprises six parts.The Introduction part first gives a brief introduction to Eugene O’Neill as well as Strange Interlude, which is followed by a comprehensive and systematic review on both domestic and overseas research done on the play. Then the research purpose and research significance are presented.Chapter One offers a brief summary of ethical literary criticism, including the background against which it was put forward, its main ideas and especially some key ethical terms to be utilized in the thesis.Chapter Two begins with a historical and dialectic analysis of the ethical environment where despite the deep-rooted influence of Puritanism, the war has increased people’s awareness of individual happiness, especially women living in a patriarchal society. Then, the three ethical identities—beloved one, wife and mother that Nina can get through marriage to Gordon are analyzed in detail. All the three ethical identities are indispensable for Nina’s happiness. Therefore, at last, after losing these ethical identities, Nina goes through ethical confusion and makes her ethical choices as a consequence of conflict between her skepticism towards Puritanism and yet the same values inherited from her life environment, thus heading on a strenuous journey to regain those three ethical identities.Chapter Three focuses on Nina’s first attempt to regain the above-mentioned ethical identities, i.e., trying to get the ethical identities of wife and mother through marriage and the identity of the beloved one by falling in love with the baby’s father. Firstly, Mrs. Evans who plays a key role in causing Nina’s failure is brought under close ethical examination. She herself is a victim to Puritanism, yet a victimizer, leading Nina onto another tragic route just to protect her son. Secondly, Nina’s ethical dilemma after knowing the truth is demonstrated. At last, Nina’s catastrophic ethical choice is analyzed.Chapter Four explores Nina’s second attempt:the ethical reasons for Nina’s failure, her extreme ethical confusion and her final ethical choice. As Nina falls in love with Ned, she has the illusion that by divorcing Sam and Marrying Ned she might finally get the three ethical identities. But again, Ned is afraid of his career being ruined and can’t stand the ethical pricks on his conscience, he flees away. At this time, Nina’s ethical confusion turns to selfish possession, trying to possess all the men in her life to gain all the three identities although it is violation of ethics. However, as time goes by, Sam becomes too confident to maintain a harmonious relationship with Nina, desire between Nina and Ned vanishes into nothing and Nina’s plan to take back her son is sabotaged by Ned. Nina gets tired of the fight for happiness and against Puritanism and longs for security and peace. So she accepts Charlie’s proposal, returning to Puritanism for peace and security.The conclusion part summarizes the previous analysis and reaches the conclusion that Nina’s tragedy is actually an ethical tragedy, a tragedy resulting from the then conflicting ethical views. The War has awakened people’s longing for individual happiness while the influence of Puritanism on society is so deeply-rooted that they just cannot discard it completely. Besides, the patriarchal society also places an ethical fetter on women when they want to pursue happiness. Therefore, Nina’s basic need for happiness is rendered impossible by Puritanism and patriarchal ethics. |
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