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 in the play illustrates how the upper class dehumanizes those who work hard to keep society running. 

Yank’s Realization of His Oppression: After his encounter with Mildred, Yank begins to realize that he is not as powerful as he once thought. He becomes aware of his oppression and the fact that his hard work only benefits the wealthy. This realization is a turning point for Yank as he starts to see that he is just a tool in the machine, exploited by the capitalist system. This system only benefits the rich.

The Search for Belonging: Yank’s journey throughout the play is a hopeless search for belonging. After being rejected by Mildred, he realizes his insignificance. He tries to find a place where he fits in. He seeks out the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). He hopes that joining the labor movement will give him a sense of purpose. However, he feels out of place even there, and his frustration grows. Yank’s cry, 

Yank—Say, where do I go from here?

Policeman— Go to hell.

This symbolizes the struggle of the working class to find a place in a society that values wealth over labor.

The Tragic End of Class Conflict: The play ends tragically with Yank’s death. This symbolizes the ultimate failure of the working class to overcome the oppressive forces of capitalism. Yank realizes that he doesn’t belong anywhere. It leads him to identify with a caged gorilla. Ultimately, he is killed by the creature whom he thought at least the creature understood him. His final words,

Even him didn’t tink I belonged,

This reflects the hopelessness and despair that comes from being trapped in an unforgiving class system.

In The Hairy Ape, Eugene O’Neill masterfully portrays the intense class conflict between the rich and the poor. Through Yank’s journey, the play reveals the deep divisions and injustices that arise from this conflict.