The Iceman Cometh Summary of Eugene O'Neill's Book

The Iceman Cometh: A Saga of Dreams and Despair

Published in 1946, The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O'Neill is a timeless masterpiece that delves into the depths of human despair, shattered dreams, and the harsh realities of life. This powerful play belongs to the genres of Plays, Drama, and Classics, and has captivated audiences for generations with its compelling narrative and unforgettable characters.

Characters

• Cora: A woman who works at Harry Hope's saloon.
• Pearl: Another woman who works at the saloon.
• Harry Hope: The owner of the saloon and a former anarchist.
• Ed Mosher: A former circus manager and patron of the saloon.
• Pat McGloin: A police lieutenant and patron of the saloon.
• Willie Oban: A former Harvard law student and patron of the saloon.
• Joe Mott: The owner of a gambling house and patron of the saloon.
• Piet Wetjoen (The General): A former Boer general and patron of the saloon.
• Cecil Lewis (The Captain): A former sea captain and patron of the saloon.
• James Cameron (Jimmy Tomorrow): A former war correspondent and patron of the saloon.
• Hugo Kalmar: A former circus man and patron of the saloon.
• Larry Slade: A former anarchist and patron of the saloon.
• Rocky Pioggi: A former anarchist and pimp.
• Don Parritt: A young man searching for his mother.
• Margie: A prostitute and patron of the saloon.
• Chuck Morello: A former bartender and patron of the saloon.
• Theodore Hickman (Hickey): A traveling salesman who disrupts the lives of the patrons.
• Moran: A retired police captain and patron of the saloon.
• Lieb: A former anarchist and patron of the saloon.

Detailed Summary

Eugene O'Neill, the first American playwright to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, completed The Iceman Cometh in 1939, but production was delayed until after World War II. The play centers around a group of alcoholics who gather at Harry Hope's saloon, where they endlessly discuss their dreams and fantasies but never take action to achieve them. The arrival of Theodore Hickman, known as Hickey, a charismatic traveling salesman, shakes up the stagnant environment of the saloon.

Extensive Analysis

In The Iceman Cometh, O'Neill explores the themes of self-delusion, addiction, and the harsh truths that people try to avoid facing. The characters in the play are trapped in a cycle of denial, clinging to their pipe dreams as a way to escape the bleak realities of their lives. Hickey's arrival disrupts this fragile equilibrium, forcing the characters to confront their own illusions and grapple with the consequences of their actions.

The character of Hickey serves as a catalyst for change, as he is determined to strip the other patrons of their illusions and force them to confront their own destructive behavior. His motivations and actions are complex and multi-faceted, adding layers of depth to the narrative. As the play unfolds, the characters are forced to reckon with their choices and face the consequences of their past actions.

Final thoughts

The Iceman Cometh is a powerful and thought-provoking play that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its exploration of the human condition, the nature of addiction, and the pursuit of personal truth make it a timeless classic that offers profound insights into the human experience. If you are a fan of thought-provoking drama and rich character development, be sure to check out The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O'Neill.

For the complete experience, we highly recommend purchasing a copy of the book or listening to the audiobook version to immerse yourself in O'Neill's compelling narrative and unforgettable characters.

9780300117431 (ISBN10: 0300117434)