The Hairy Ape

More about the book

The play features Yank, a laborer who grapples with his identity and place in a class-divided society. Initially confident in his strength and role aboard an ocean liner, he confronts the harsh realities of his existence as he seeks acceptance among the wealthy. Through Yank's journey, the themes of class struggle and alienation are explored, highlighting the conflict between the working class and the elite. O'Neill's expressionist style amplifies the emotional intensity of Yank's quest for belonging.