This research paper articulates the aspects behind self-identity crisis in workers, a big cause of low financial status. Purpose of this study is also to discover the effects of negative perception upon them as positive perception plays a significant role in building strong personality characteristics. Developing positive sense of self is an essential part of every individual becoming a mature person as it develops strong character. Workers are born in poverty, live like animals and don’t have basic needs of life. They perceive and believe that generation to generation they belong to low class, it is in fate and not possible to bring change in their lives. Whole life they remain unable to think positively and change progressively. Though they do hard work, most of them remain failure in improving poor financial status. In anger sometimes they blame fate while brood and complain against close people and society, on another time. Question is what the causes behind their self-identity crisis are and who is responsible of their deprivation and alienation.
Purpose of the study is to know whether, wholly and solely, workers are responsible of their identity crisis or close people and society play significant role on the basis of The Hairy Ape by Eugene O’Neil. It is also to explore the causes which force central character to follow instincts and also the aspects of weak evaluation of his characterization, as a crew member in the play. It needs to be known what the reasons behind constant poverty generation to generationare despite the fact that they do hard work but they can’t change and progress. Besides they are not given due rights and due to poor financial status they are not considered respectable citizens in society.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1. Statement of the Problem:
1.2. Objectives of the Study:
1.3. Significance of the Study:
1.4. Research Question/ Hypothesis:
1.5. Operational Definition of the Variables/Terminology:
1.6. Conceptual Framework of the Study:
1.7. Limitations and De-limitations of the Study:
2. Literature Review
2.1. About the Self
2.2. Historical Perspectives
2.3. Theories about Self
2.4. Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal
2.5. Literature Review
2.6. What is New in this Research Paper:
3. Methodology
3.1. Why Qualitative:
3.2. Qualitative Research in Social Issues:
3.3. Overall Strategy:
3.4. Ethical Issues
3.5. Qualitative Research in the Study:
3.6. Primary Sources:
3.7. Secondary Sources:
4. Analysis and Interpretation:
4.1. Personal Crisis:
4.2. Social Crisis:
4.3. Self-Identity :
4.4. Illusions:
4.5. Superiority Complex:
4.6. Change Values:
4.7. System Exploitation:
4.8. Humanity:
4.9. Animalism:
4.9.1. Significance of Ape:
4.9.2. Confrontation of Animalism:
4.9.3. Elements of Animalism:
4.9.4. Scene Setting:
4.9.5. Structural Organization:
5. Discussion and Conclusion
5.1. Discussion:
5.2. Conclusion
5.3. Recommendations
Objectives and Research Themes
This research paper investigates the underlying causes of self-identity crisis among workers, primarily focusing on how low financial status and negative social perceptions contribute to their alienation. The study aims to uncover why, despite their hard labor, these workers fail to progress, by examining the protagonist's journey in Eugene O'Neill's The Hairy Ape through the lens of Henri Tajfel's self-identity theory.
- The psychological impact of poverty and negative self-perception on personality.
- The role of social groups and class structure in shaping individual identity.
- The manifestation of "animalism" and irrational instincts in the protagonist.
- A comparative analysis of modern tragedy and the protagonist's struggle with identity.
Excerpt from the Book
4.1. Personal Crisis:
O’Neil emphasizes on importance of thinking several times in the play through Yank .Yank’s inability in thinking is a big cause of his personal crisis as sense of self develops in thinking process. If Yank is unable to think he can’t focus mind to realize problems he wants to solve. To realize self he needs to concentrate which seems out of his reach. He remains unsuccessful to discover his inner strength which causes his personal crisis from starting to end in the play. He doesn’t perceive proud feelings, a tonic to thinking power, from anywhere. Protagonists of mentioned plays, the hairy ape ,the zoo story, death of the salesman and a long day’s journey into night ; Yank, Jerry, Mary and Willy are unable to think clearly , a big reason of their personal crisis. They are unable to point out where their problems are and how they should overcome it.In scene first, ironically O’Neil insists on thinking as,
“Drink,don’t think!
Drink, don’t think!
Drink, don’t think!
In last Yank realizes that thinking is his inner strength and it is more important than physical strength. It is his identity, recognition and his honor also. Allama Muhammad Iqbal gives importance to self-awareness particularly for oppressed people. He insists that man is humiliated and insulted internally and externally until and unless he gets awareness.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the research scope, statement of the problem, and the theoretical framework involving self-identity theory.
Literature Review: This section covers previous research on self-identity, historical perspectives, and includes a discussion of Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal’s philosophy of "khudi".
Methodology: This chapter details the qualitative research approach, strategy, and primary/secondary sources used to investigate the research question.
Analysis and Interpretation: This chapter presents a critical analysis of the protagonist's personal and social crisis, exploring themes like animalism, illusions, and systemic exploitation.
Discussion and Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the research findings, offers answers to the research questions, and provides recommendations for future study.
Keywords
Self-Identity, Identity Crisis, Animalism, Eugene O'Neill, The Hairy Ape, Poverty, Social Alienation, Henri Tajfel, Humanism, Class Conflict, Expressionism, Naturalism, Psychological Crisis, Industrialism, Khudi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The research focuses on the causes behind the self-identity crisis experienced by industrial workers, as depicted through the protagonist Yank in Eugene O’Neill’s play The Hairy Ape.
What are the central themes discussed in the study?
The central themes include self-identity, the impact of social groups, class conflict, the manifestation of animalistic instincts, and the influence of negative perceptions on personal growth.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The primary goal is to discover the psychological and social reasons why workers in low-income brackets often fail to progress, specifically exploring whether they are solely responsible for their identity crisis or if society plays a significant role.
Which theoretical approach is applied in the research?
The study utilizes the self-identity theory developed by the social psychologist Henri Tajfel to analyze the characters and their struggle for a sense of belonging.
What does the main part of the book treat?
The main part of the book is dedicated to the analysis and interpretation of the protagonist's personal and social crises, his struggle with internal "animalism," and how these factors lead to his tragic downfall.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Self-Identity, Identity Crisis, Animalism, The Hairy Ape, Social Alienation, and Class Conflict.
How does the author connect the protagonist's behavior to the concept of animalism?
The author argues that Yank’s inability to think critically and his subsequent descent into instinctual, wild behavior reflects a "regression" to an animalistic state, triggered by social rejection and feelings of inferiority.
Why does the study include comparisons with other plays like The Zoo Story and Death of a Salesman?
These plays are included to support the argument that identity crises are a universal challenge for marginalized characters in modern literature, helping to validate the research findings through a comparative analysis.
- Quote paper
- M.Phil Literature Rafaqat Bano (Author), 2018, Self-identity Crisis and Animalism in "The Hairy Ape" by Eugene O'Neil, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/450795
