Abstract

This study examines Eugene O'Neill as a social critic presenting new possibilities of human existence, by using the ideas of three existentialist thinkers, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and R. D. Laing. So, the purpose of this study is threefold: to redefine the concept of tragedy from modern perspectives, to demonstrate that O'Neill's basic mind toward human existence has affinities with the European existentialists, and to analyze O'Neill's selected plays by using the ideas of Nietzsche, Sartre, and Laing. ;When the three existentialist thinkers are considered as social critics, they point to the spiritual crisis of modern society as the aftermath of a soulless modern capitalism and a human being's selfishness. However, instead of revealing the dark side of human existence, their efforts lie in overcoming the crisis and in showing hope for a human being. ;O'Neill's major themes and his treatment of them have strong affinities with the ideas of the European existentialists. Along with Nietzsche, Sartre, and Laing, O'Neill revolted against the established social order and values. And, instead of a new deity, they believed in human will for the betterment of human existence. The Nietzschean Dionysian person, the Sartrean authentic person, and the Laingian schizoid person are those who revolt against the established social order and try to create new human values. O'Neill's efforts shown in his selected plays are similar to the ideas of the three existentialist thinkers. ;The results of the study show that the O'Neillian tragedy can be discussed from the perspective of social criticism and that its final effect is not to reveal the dark side of human existence, but to overcome the pessimistic view of life