The Crisis of Identity and Isolation in the Play “The Hairy Ape.”

Answer

Comment on the crisis of identity and isolation in the play “The Hairy Ape.” 

In “The Hairy Ape” (1922) by Eugene O’Neill (1888 – 1953), the main character, Yank, goes through a deep crisis of identity and isolation. He feels lost and doesn’t know where he belongs in the world. This crisis leads him to feel very alone and separated from everyone around him. In this play, we see how Yank struggles to find his place. He understands who he really is, but he faces many difficulties that push him further into loneliness.

Yank’s Strong Identity in the Beginning: At the start of the play, Yank feels very powerful and essential. He believes that he is the one who makes the ship move and that he is strong like a machine. He says,

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

Yank thinks he is in control, and his place in the world is clear. However, this strong identity starts to break down when he meets Mildred. She is the daughter of Mr. Douglas, who owns Nazareth Steel. She makes him feel small and unimportant.

Mildred’s Impact on Yank: When Mildred, a rich woman, sees Yank working on the ship, she is shocked and calls him a “filthy beast.” This moment deeply hurts Yank because it makes him feel like he is not a man but something less. This is where his crisis begins. He starts to doubt his own strength and importance. He feels like he doesn’t belong anywhere. 

Yank’s Search for Belonging: After this incident, Yank tries to find a place where he belongs. He goes to Fifth Avenue. He hopes to fit in with the rich people, but they ignore him. He tries to talk to them but feels even more out of place. He is also ignored by IWW, the policeman and the Gorilla. So, he says at the end, 

Christ, where do I get off at? Where do I fit in?

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