Life of Yank in The Hairy Ape - Essay Example

Released in the US by United Artists, it is based on the play written by Eugene O'Neill and produced by the Provincetown Players on March 9, 1922 (staged at Provincetown Theatre, New York City).

Life of Yank
Yank grew up in an impoverished lower-class family. From his accounts, he had a painful childhood. His parents would make him attend church every Sunday though. His father, working at the shore, was abusive. He grew up seeing his parents fight regularly and when his mother died from an alcohol withdrawal relapse, he left home to evade the punishment he suffered. Due to a lack of education, he is trapped in a social system amid the rising industrial revolution that he had to toil hard as a fireman/stoker on the transatlantic ocean liner for a measly wage. But he feels himself to be superior to others and confident due to his strength and his view that his effort makes the ship run. He defends the ship as his home.
Yank met Mildred when she visited the ship’s boiler room while docked in Lisbon. The brute and hairy appearance of Yank disgusted Mildred and called him a “hairy ape.” Yank is enraged when Mildred was frightened and disgusted with him. He realized that his physique which he is boastful is loathed by others. Overcome by confusion, he struggles to find answers. He was traumatized and searched for his identity and belongingness.
Yank became aware of the differences in the social class with Mildred’s reaction. His desire to get revenge on Mildred spread to the steel industry (owned by Mildred’s father) and the whole bourgeois class. When he said that others do not belong in society, he is expressing his alienation. He feels strong when he “belongs.” Thus, when Mildred, the other ship workers, and the people on 5th Ave. rejected him, he felt weak. On the larger analysis, Yank wants to redefine the social structure and belongingness in society. He “belongs” to the ship being useful to it just as the ship workers who run the ship. Meeting Mildred presented to him a new reality that he cannot seem to fathom and belong to. After a series of rejections, he sought out where he belongs.

Conclusion
I prefer to watch or listen to drama or fiction that portrays social realities in life. The story must provide not only entertainment but also motivation and knowledge. Moreover, films with unique twists and climaxes that would challenge my thinking would add to my criteria for choosing a film. I also want a story that moves faster wherein the plot is faster. The aesthetic and visual presentation also stimulates my imagination and thinking. The film should contain values and lessons for the viewer.