Will To Be Free

Eugene O’Neill(1888-1953),an American quintessential dramatist,is recognized as the founder of modern American drama.Anna Christie is the second play to win him the Pulitzer Prize,it centers on an old captain,Christopher,and his degenerated daughter,Anna,and Anna’s lover,Mat.Since Nietzsche’s philosophy is highly influential to O’Neill,this thesis,taking Nietzsche’s philosophical idea of three metamorphoses,will make a detailed analysis of the metamorphoses embodied in the main characters in the play from the line of the camel,the lion,to the child,in order to explore the theme of individual pursuit of freedom and reveal the actual meaning of O’Neill’s writing.First,this thesis focuses on the main character Anna’s transformation.Since changed from the spirit of the camel,the lion spirit embodied in Anna presented great willpower and resistance according to the philosophy of Nietzsche’s three metamorphoses.She obtains the freedom she wants after her brave transformation.Next,this thesis centers on the father Chris’ change in spirit.Chris also experiences a spiritual transformation that embodies his will to overcome the camel-like weakness and embrace the spirit of the lion.His metamorphosis of spirit from the camel to the lion encourages him to enjoy the happiness of life and to seek his freedom which belongs to him.Chris gradually understands himself and his whole life become meaningful.At last,this thesis analyzes the period of Mat’s metamorphoses.After transformed from the lion,he shows his power and his rebellion against traditional values like a child.He obeys traditional morality at first but later he shows his creation.And eventually he gains what he truly wants.In general,through the analysis of the three metamorphoses of the main characters in Anna Christie,the thesis presents people’s spiritual and psychological experience of that time and reveals the theme of the play,especially the idea that common people should cherish their life and pursue freedom bravely.Meanwhile,it also encourages readers to pursue the life they want.