Mourning Becomes Electra
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1931
162
Play • Fiction
New England • 1860s
1931
Adult
18+ years
Mourning Becomes Electra by Eugene O'Neill is a play cycle divided into three parts—"Homecoming," "The Hunted," and "The Haunted"—that follows the Mannon family, an American aristocratic family, as they grapple with internal conflicts, betrayal, and crime. Lavinia, Orin, and their parents navigate complex relationships and devastating secrets, leading to a tragic decline. Topics addressed include familial conflict, psychological trauma, and violent crime.
Dark
Melancholic
Mysterious
Unnerving
Bittersweet
5,003 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Eugene O'Neill's Mourning Becomes Electra reinvents Greek tragedy in a post-Civil War American context, drawing mixed reactions. Critics praise its ambitious scope and emotional depth, but note its length and complex structure may challenge some readers. The psychological intensity and intricate character dynamics are largely lauded, yet the play's dark themes can be overwhelming.
A reader who enjoys Mourning Becomes Electra by Eugene O'Neill is likely interested in complex family dynamics, psychological depth, and themes of revenge and fate. Fans of Greek tragedies or works like William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury or Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire would find this play engaging.
5,003 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
162
Play • Fiction
New England • 1860s
1931
Adult
18+ years
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