Discuss “The Hairy Ape” as a Social Satire. 

Answer

Discuss “The Hairy Ape” as a social satire.  

The Hairy Ape (1922) by Eugene O’Neill (1888 – 1953) is a play that uses simple and clear language to show the struggles of a man named Yank. This play is more than just a story about one person. It is a social satire that makes fun of the unfairness in society. In this play, O’Neill talks about the differences between the rich and the poor and how people are treated like machines. It also shows how some people do not belong anywhere. Let’s look at important points that show how The Hairy Ape is a social satire.

Class Divisions: The Hairy Ape vividly portrays the deep class divisions in society. Yank, who works in the stokehole, is proud of his strength. He sees himself as an essential part of the ship. He says, 

I’m de end! I’m de start! I start somep’n and de woild moves! 

However, the wealthy characters, like Mildred, view him as nothing more than a “filthy beast.” This stark contrast highlights the upper class’s hate for the working class. 

Exploitation of Workers: O’Neill satirizes the exploitation of workers through Yank’s belief that his work gives him power and identity. Yank proudly claims, 

I’m part of de engines!

He believes that he is the driving force behind the ship. However, the reality is that his labour only benefits the rich, and he is merely a tool in the capitalist machine. This false sense of empowerment blinds Yank to his exploitation. 

The Absurdity of Industrialization: The play criticizes the absurdity of the industrial age. Here, machines have taken importance over human life. Yank’s identity is tied to the ship’s engines, but this connection is ultimately meaningless. The machinery he serves does not care for him. When he tries to maintain himself, society rejects him. 

Yank—Say, where do I go from here?

Policeman— Go to hell.

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