The Straw (play)

The Straw is a three-act play written by Eugene O'Neill, first produced in 1919. The play is set in a sanatorium in the early 20th century, focusing on the lives of patients suffering from tuberculosis. The central character is Eileen Carmody, a young woman who is admitted to the sanatorium. The play explores themes of love, hope, despair, and the struggle against illness. It draws heavily on O'Neill's own experiences battling tuberculosis. While not one of O'Neill's most widely known or celebrated works, The Straw provides insight into his early dramatic style and his recurring interest in themes of suffering and resilience.