In the light of the research which seems positively to support the concept that Eugene O\u27Neill believed in the philosophy of determinism, the writer was led to pursue this study of selected plays in an effort to establish through careful analysis, if, in the exposition of his plays, Eugene Gladstone O\u27Neill subscribed to a concept of determinism.
Determinism in this study means the philosophical doctrine that man struggles, even though he may struggle against what may seem to be his own fate; even though taught by his own past, he is incapable avoiding his ultimate end. His struggle may provide him with hope, but despite his efforts, the inevitable occurs—death, and too often mortal or moral defeat.
This study does not attempt to consider all of O\u27Neill\u27s work. It is limited to a detailed analysis of three selected plays that seem deterministic in philosophy: The Emperor Jones, Strange Interlude, and Mourning Becomes Electra.
This study of determinism as seen in Eugene O\u27Neill\u27s plays is an analysis of the philosophy of determinism as well as O\u27Neill\u27s personal interpretation of this philosophy.
An oblique result of this study is that it shows that there is biographical material that indicates some events that may have influenced O\u27Neill and contributed to his embracing the philosophy of determinism.
This investigation finally analyzes determinism as seen in three plays by Eugene O\u27Neill
