Breakfast By: O'Neill Introduction Short

¶ … Breakfast by: O'Neill Introduction short description of the conflict of the play focus on Mrs. Rowland monologue of the wife as opposed to a dialogue between the spouses main theme of the play: lack of communication between husband and wife psychological perspective of the conflict the play tackles dysfunctional relationships in general, and not the Rowlands as a case study Supporting Point 1: the isolation of Mrs. Rowland Supporting Point 2: the opposition between the spouses in terms of temperament and personality; the isolation of Mr.

Rowland Supporting Point 3: the Rowlands shown as the average couple; their isolation becomes representative of the marital lack of communication Conclusion Concluding Strategy the theme of isolation, tackled by many playwrights from different points-of-view the psychological dimension of the theme of marital isolation in O'Neill's play Thesis Restatement each spouse is trapped within his own universe opposing universes; no common ground between the spouses Eugene O'Neill's "Before Breakfast" in a one-act play whose conflict revolved around the character of Mrs. Rowland, a woman who is depicted while addressing her husband.

Her lines are built as more of a monologue than a dialogue; in fact, Mr. Rowland does not have any lines, and is intentionally kept off stage. The focus on the entire play is on his wife who is both in pain, and enraged, and is, at least at first, trying to communicate with him while he seems completely unable or unwilling to do so. The conflict of the play i.e. between the husband and wife is implicit because Mr.

Rowland does not reply to his wife; instead, the tension is generated by the monologue of Mrs. Rowland, and the fact that she appears, at times, to be addressing the audience. Before Breakfast" explores the psychological turmoil caused by the impossibility of communication. In this sense, the play aims at exploring the theme of isolation in a couple from a general perspective. The audience does not know much about the characters, in particular about Mr.

Rowland because "Before Breakfast" is not a case study of a dysfunctional marriage, but an ex-ray of dysfunctional relationships in general, and how it affects each partner. Mrs. Rowland chooses to deal with her husband's unemployment, drinking problems and infidelity by confronting him and making accusations. She also turns to alcohol for comfort as we are told in the first part of the play, when she is shown having a glass of gin first thing in the morning. Mrs.

Rowland's behavior betrays her isolation; the audience, however, does not know whether this isolation is self-imposed or a result of domestic arguments. Irrespective of the answer, Mrs. Rowland is depicted as a strong woman who realizes that she must work in order to support herself, and her husband. Her personality is opposed to that of her husband; she is a pragmatic whereas he is a dreamer and an artist. This opposition in terms of personality and lifestyle is what makes their relationship unbearable for both of them.

Also, it is this difference in temperament and ways of channeling anger that drives a wedge between the spouses. Mr. Rowland chooses to be quiet and not leave the bedroom whereas Mrs. Rowland confronts and openly attacks him. Mr. Rowland is also isolated and alone; nonetheless, we are told by his wife that he turns to alcohol, friends, and other women to ease his loneliness. His wife rejects his artistic nature and mocks him for it which in turn, makes communication impossible between the spouses. The isolation of Mr.

And Mrs. Rowland is obvious but the audience does not know which of the spouses is responsible for this breach in communication. In fact, finding the responsible party is not O'Neill's concern; that is why, we are not offered many details about the Rowlands. His main concern is to depict the psychological drama of isolation, and the ways in which it affects each spouse. Mrs. Rowland is outspoken and aggressive whereas her husband takes refuge in silence.

This is why, perhaps, we are only given details about the wife, and none about the husband. They are shown as the average couple, they are not special in any way, and nor is their relationship. Their lack of communication is symbolic of many couples, and this is.