“Mourning
becomes Electra” is a play by Eugene O’Neill written in 1931. The Play is
psychologically very rich. The two complexes are highlighted in the play:
Oedipus complex and Electra complex. It was performed 159 times in theatre.
The plot of
the play was inspired by a Greek tragedy ‘Orestia’ written by Aschyllus. ‘Mourning
becomes Electra’ is modern version of ‘Orestia’.
Thought the
plot and the story line are similar, there are many differences.
Ezra Menon
is a soldier at war and dies as the play begins. The death is not natural or we
are not aware of the reason of his death.
Then Orin
Menon, son of Ezra and Christine returns from the war. It was opened to him by
Lavinia that she saw Christine kissing Adam Brant- who resembles in looks to
all Menons. So, Orin shoots Adam Brant. Orin kills Adam because he wanted love of his
mother.
The title
refers to Lavinia as she is the protagonist of this play. And she is the alone
who is left alone and eventually she dies.
The reason
for the death of the characters is due to fate, but O’Neill rationalises the
events and connects it with psychology.
Reference:-
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