Describe the Class Conflict in “The Hairy Ape.”

Answer

Describe the class conflict in “The Hairy Ape.”

In “The Hairy Ape” (1922) by Eugene O’Neill (1888 – 1953), the story shows a big fight between different social classes. The main character, Yank, is a strong worker. He thinks he is very important. But as the story goes on, he learns that the rich and powerful people don’t see him the same way. This story helps us see how the rich and poor don’t understand each other. Here are points that show how this class conflict happens in the play.

The Division Between Rich and Poor: The play clearly shows the wide gap between the rich and the poor. Yank and his fellow stokers work in the hot, dirty engine room. They pour coal to keep the ship moving. On the other hand, Mildred and her aunt live in luxury above deck, far removed from the hardships of the working class. This division is evident when Yank says, 

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

Meanwhile, Mildred represents the upper class. She is indifferent to their struggles and refers to Yank as a “filthy beast.” This shows how disconnected the rich are from the realities of the working class.

Yank’s Pride in His Work: Yank initially feels proud of his role as a stoker. He believes that he is important because he powers the ship. He sees himself as the “muscle” behind the ship’s movement and thinks he is essential to the world. Yank’s statement, 

I’m part of de engines!

However, this pride is challenged when Mildred enters the stokehole and reacts horrifically to his appearance. Her reaction shatters his pride and makes him question his place in society. 

Mildred’s Hate for the Working Class: Mildred’s reaction to Yank highlights the hate of the upper class. When she calls Yank a “filthy beast,” she reduces him to something less than human because he is dirty from his work. This moment