How does Abbie prove her true love for Eben?
Desire Under the Elms is a notable literary work by Eugene O'Neill. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Desire Under the Elms.
Answer
How does Abbie prove her true love for Eben? [2021, 2016] ✪✪✪
Eugene O’Neill (1888–1953) wrote his famous play “Desire Under the Elms” in 1924. In this play, Abbie Putnam shows her deep and tragic love for Eben Cabot. Although her love begins with selfish desire, she ultimately proves it through sacrifice, guilt, and repentance for her sins. Let us now move to the main discussion.
Love Mixed with Desire: At first, Abbie’s love for Eben is physical and strong. She feels a powerful attraction that she cannot resist. She tells him,
“Let me kiss ye, Eben! I’ll be everythin’ she was t’ ye!”
Her love joins passion and motherly care. But soon, this love grows deeper and purer.
Struggle for Faith and Trust: Eben doubts Abbie’s honesty. He thinks she loves him only to steal the farm. Abbie becomes heartbroken when Eben curses her. She cries and says she can do anything to prove her love true. Her wish to regain Eben’s trust leads her to a fatal decision.
Terrible Sacrifice: In despair, Abbie kills her own baby. She wants to show that her love for Eben is greater than any greed. She says,
“I killed him, Eben.”
This terrible act is her proof of love, though it brings tragedy and guilt.
Love Beyond Punishment: At the end, Abbie accepts her sin and punishment calmly. When the sheriff comes, Eben also joins her in guilt. Their love becomes pure through pain. Even when facing death, they hold hands and forgive each other with love and peace.
Thus, Abbie’s final act of sacrifice shows her true love. Her love begins in sin but ends in truth and repentance. O’Neill makes her a tragic figure of passion, guilt, and purity.