Let's start with a look at what tragedy is . . .
Aristotle defined it as “an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a
certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the
several kinds being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action, not of
narrative; through pity and fear effecting the proper purgation of these
emotions.”
O'Neill certainly includes all of these
characteristics in his autobiographical play. Since the play is based on his own life,
it is very clearly a realistic imitation of an action. There is great magnitude of the
several subplots - the mother's addiction, the men's alcoholism, Edmond's consumption,
etc. The language is absolutely poetic throughout - consider Edmond's monologue about
the sea as a perfect example of artistic expression. The play is full of emotion -
emotion that is purged throughout the four acts. Each character has at least one major
cathartic moment. Because of the realism and the seriousness of the story-line, an
audience may also experience a catharsis.
What makes it
modern, I suppose, are the modern issues driving the tragedy, along with the more
domestic (less epic than traditional tragedies) setting.
However, O'Neill did not set out to write a tragedy. He
set out to heal himself by facing the demons of his youth. The play was written not to
be published or performed, but was given to his wife as an anniversary gift; he credited
her with bringing him into the light from his dark past. She had the play published
after his death as she recognized its literary merits.
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