How does O’Neill Treat the Theme of Sin and Retribution in Desire Under the Elms? 

Answer

How does O’Neill treat the theme of sin and retribution in ‘Desire Under the Elms? [2016] 

Eugene O’Neill (1888–1953), in his play “Desire Under the Elms” (1924), presents the powerful theme of sin and retribution. The play shows how human desires lead to guilt and punishment. The characters commit sins through passion, greed, and pride, and each faces moral and emotional suffering. O’Neill’s view is not strictly religious but deeply human. He shows that sin brings its own punishment. Through Cabot, Eben, and Abbie, he explores how passion destroys peace and leads to tragic retribution.

Sin Born of Desire and Greed: The root of all sin in the play is desire. Eben desires the farm and wants revenge on his father. Abbie desires love, power, and security. Cabot desires control and pride. Their greed makes them sinful. Eben says, 

“She may’ve been his’n—but she’s mine now.” 

His lustful words show his sinful passion. Abbie marries Cabot for the farm and later betrays him. O’Neill presents how greed and desire blind human hearts, leading them toward inevitable guilt and suffering.

Adulterous Love as Sin: Eben and Abbie’s love is the central sin of the play. Their relationship begins as revenge but turns into forbidden love. Abbie says, 

“Can’t ye see it’s got t’ be that an’ more—much more—fur me t’ be happy?” 

This love violates family and moral laws. Their passion leads to guilt, not joy. O’Neill shows that love without purity becomes sin. Their secret affair brings shame and tragedy, proving that sinful desire always demands a painful retribution.

Murder as the Final Sin: Abbie’s act of killing her baby is the greatest sin. She kills the child to prove her love for Eben. She says, 

“I killed him, Eben.” 

Her crime shocks both Eben and Cabot. This murder becomes the turning point of their punishment. Abbie’s act, though born of love, is morally