Expressionism, as seen in Eugene O'Neill's 'The Hairy Ape,' is a dramatic movement that distorts reality to convey inner psychological states. It emphasizes subjective experience over objective truth, often using exaggerated settings, dialogue, and symbolism to reveal a character's emotional turmoil. In 'The Hairy Ape,' Expressionism highlights Yank's alienation and dehumanization as he struggles to find his place in a rapidly industrializing world.
The play employs stark contrasts and symbolic elements to illustrate Yank's journey from a stoker on a ship to a disillusioned outsider. O'Neill uses the theatrical space to reflect Yank's internal state, making the audience feel his increasing sense of isolation and rage. This culminates in his tragic encounter with a gorilla, symbolizing his final rejection by both the natural and industrial worlds.
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Alienation | A. The artistic movement distorting reality to convey inner emotion. |
| 2. Dehumanization | B. Feeling isolated and estranged from society. |
| 3. Expressionism | C. The process of being deprived of human qualities or attributes. |
| 4. Symbolism | D. The use of objects or ideas to represent something else. |
| 5. Industrialization | E. The development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale. |
Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the word bank: Expressionism, stoker, alienation, industrialization, dehumanization.
In 'The Hairy Ape,' Yank begins as a confident ______ on a ship, but he soon experiences ______ as he confronts the harsh realities of ______. The play uses ______ to show Yank's internal struggles and his eventual ______ as he fails to find his place in either the natural or industrial world.
How does O'Neill use Expressionistic techniques to convey Yank's sense of identity crisis and his struggle for belonging in 'The Hairy Ape'?
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