Abstract

Eugene O’Neill is the founder of modern American drama. He is also the winner of Pulitzer Prizes and Noble Prize for Literature. Desire Under the Elms tells about a domestic tragedy caused by the ownership of the farm. It’s also the most classical tragedy in his works. The play shows Eugene O’Neill’s view of feminism. Through the description of the three female characters in the play, women’s self-consciousness becomes stronger and stronger as time goes on. The play not only exhibits the female consciousness of the female characters, but also illustrates women’s voice of struggling for equal rights and freedom. It can inspire the contemporary people.

Key words: Eugene O'Neill Desire under the Elms feminism self-consciousness

Content

摘要：

Abstract:

Introduction5

Chapter 1 Desire under the Elms and Feminism.7

1.1 Feminism and the Female Consciousness.7

1.2 Female Consciousness in Desire under the Elms9

Chapter 2 The Oppressed First wife10

2.1 Patriarchy and Its Oppressive Force.10

2.2 The Oppression that Simeon and Peter’s mother suffered.11

Chapter 3 The AwakeningFemale Consciousness of the Second Wife13

3.1 The Oppression that Eben’s mother suffered .13

3.2 The Minor Revolts of the Second Wife15

Chapter 4 the Rebellious Third Wife—Abbie Putnam.16

4.1 Choosing Her Own Marriage17

4.2 Pursuit of the Material Wealth18

4.3 Chasing the True Love19

Conclusion.20

Bibliography22

Acknowledgements.24