Eugene O'Neill's Philosophy of Difficult Theatre: Pity, Fear, and Forgiveness

Eugene ONeill's theory of tragedy prioritizes an emotional response over a rational one, and this study argues that it is a robust account of the value of difficult theatre. It challenges the cognitivist approach to tragedy and suggests that the value of a play lies in its ability to trigger emotional responses from the audience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Through a meticulous re-examination of Eugene O'Neill's extensive oeuvre, spanning from his lesser-known plays to his Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpieces, this study proposes a novel perspective that emphasizes a specific emotional response over a more "rational" one among his audience members. In addition to presenting a fresh framework for interpreting O'Neill's work, this book contends that O'Neill's theory of tragedy offers a robust and comprehensive account of the value of challenging theater as a whole, surpassing its cognitivist counterparts in terms of explanatory scope and power. This paradigm fundamentally alters our understanding of the profound impact and significance of live theatrical tragedies in our lives. The book initiates the discussion of tragic value by delving into the plays of Eugene O'Neill, and through this study, Killian makes the compelling argument that O'Neill has defied Plato's definition of tragedys merit, as propounded by the cognitivists. He asserts that O'Neill's theory of tragedy is non-cognitive and centers around the inherent value of a play, stemming from its ability to elicit specific emotional responses from the audience.

This research holds immense interest for students and scholars engaged in the fields of performance studies, literature, and philosophy. By exploring the intricate interplay between emotion, cognition, and theatricality, this study sheds light on the profound ways in which O'Neill's plays engage and resonate with audiences, challenging traditional notions of tragedy and expanding our understanding of the human experience.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367519209