『상복이 어울리는 에렉트라』의 구조 연구

A Study of Structure in Maurning Becomes Electra

I think that the structure is composed of temporal structure, spatial structure and thematic structure. So I try to analyze Eugene O'Neill's Mourning Becomes Electra in tenrn of the structural point of view. Because this kind of analysis illuminates the merit and value of this drama. The structure of Mourning Becomes Electra is based on the Greek tragedy of Electra and her brother Orestes. In keeping with the nature of the story, O'Neill chose for his time and setting the Civil War era. In this play the powerful force of a family curse works its way through generations. Apparently the temporal structure of this play is characterized roughly by a series of events by cause and effect with melodramatic elements. At the end of the play the last surviving Mannon Lavinia entered the old house alone to face the ghosts of the past and shuts the door behind her. The spatial structure of this play is characterized by similar character-grouping with mask-like look of faces to conceal their true desire. Among the characters Electra takes center stage. She is the prime mover of the play's action. The Mannon house itself stands amid the beauty and abundance of nature. Then the house itself is not only alienates from nature, but is isolated from the community, built on the foundations of pride and hatred and Puritan beliefs. Its cold facade and isolation symbolize the family which lives within it. In thematic structure the instinct of love and life survives strongest in the women, but even they are defeated. The trilogy's atmosphere is filled with the darkness of death. The Mannons try all avenues of escape from their deathly isolation, but it is impossible to escape from it. Because death itself is the only real escape for the alienated, guilt-ridden Mannons. Finally the plot, characterization and themes of Mourning Becomes Electra seem shallow in terms of structural point of view.