O'Neill, Eugene: 1888-1953

Ah, Wilderness!, 1933 - Summary

  • Set in a small Connecticut town over the course of the Fourth of July holiday in 1906, the play follows the Miller family and their interactions with each other and the larger community.

    The central character is Richard Miller, a young man on the brink of adulthood who is idealistic and romantic. Throughout the play, Richard struggles with the expectations of his family and society, particularly his father, Nat, who wants him to follow in his footsteps and become a successful businessman. However, Richard rebels against these expectations, preferring to pursue his own interests in literature and poetry.

    As the Fourth of July celebrations unfold, Richard experiences love, heartbreak, and personal growth. He falls in love with Muriel, a girl from a respectable family, but their relationship faces obstacles due to their different social backgrounds. Despite the challenges, Richard remains true to himself and ultimately chooses to embrace his own path rather than conforming to societal expectations.

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