Farm as a Symbol of Fate in O'Neill's Beyond the Horizon and Desire Under the Elms

Abstract

This research deals with the farm asa symbol of fate and confinement of the characters. The characters in both plays:Beyond the HorizonandDesires Under the Elmsare greatly influenced by the farm which entraps them and does not let them to be free till to their tragic doom. Struggling in the farm, they give outlet to their emotional forces: hate, resentment, lust, greed, pride and mistrust. Similarly, the outside forces like circumstance, community also guide them. Thus, O'Neill places his characters in the grip of powers beyond their control and understanding, driving them inexorably toward the final catastrophe.