Dynamo (play)

Dynamo is a 1929 expressionist play written by Eugene O'Neill. It is part of a planned trilogy, though the other two plays were never completed. The play explores themes of religious fervor, industrialization, and the struggle to find meaning in a rapidly changing world.

Synopsis

Dynamo tells the story of Reuben Light, a young man raised in a strict, fundamentalist household. Reeling from the death of his mother and disillusionment with his father's rigid religious beliefs, Reuben abandons his faith and becomes obsessed with the power and potential of electricity, symbolized by a massive dynamo in a nearby power plant. He sees the dynamo as a new god, a powerful and rational force that can replace the antiquated beliefs of his parents. Reuben’s obsession leads him down a destructive path, culminating in violence and tragedy as he attempts to connect with the dynamo in a quasi-religious act. The play also explores the complicated relationship between Reuben and his childhood friend, Ada Fife, the daughter of the power plant's supervisor.

Themes

Key themes in Dynamo include:

• The Conflict Between Religion and Science: The play portrays a stark contrast between traditional religious beliefs and the allure of scientific progress, specifically the power of electricity.
• Industrialization and Modernity: Dynamo reflects the anxieties and uncertainties of the early 20th century as society grappled with the rapid changes brought about by industrialization.
• The Search for Meaning: Reuben's journey is a quest for a new faith and a new purpose in a world seemingly devoid of traditional values.
• Religious Fanaticism: The play explores the dangers of extreme religious beliefs and the destructive consequences of unyielding faith.

Reception

Dynamo was not well-received by critics upon its premiere. It was criticized for its heavy-handed symbolism, its melodramatic plot, and its ultimately unsatisfying exploration of complex themes. Despite its initial failure, the play remains a significant work in O'Neill's oeuvre, offering insight into the playwright's evolving artistic vision and his engagement with the social and intellectual currents of his time.

Further Reading

• Gelb, Arthur, and Barbara Gelb. O'Neill. Harper & Row, 1962.
• Bogard, Travis. Contour in Time: The Plays of Eugene O'Neill. Oxford University Press, 1988.