Transmutation of Determinism into Poetic Affirmation of Life Force in Eugene O'Neill's Lazarus Laughed

Abstract

Eugene O'Neill's Lazarus Laughed is somewhat distinct poetic drama, which belongs to its own category. Because this play is drastically different from earlier plays of O'Neill, it has brought unique cachet to the dramatist's experimental dramaturgy and classical dramatic theme challenging the shortcomings and limitations of the philosophy of determinism. Lazarus Laughed attempts to renew the Christian message of transcending life from worldly sufferings and temptations. The play strongly insists on overcoming the fascination and fear of death. By so doing it endeavors to propagate the philosophy of life affirmation as the ultimate gateway of transcendence.