In The Hairy Ape by Eugene O'Neill, the character of Yank is used to depict the suppression of the human spirit and the degradation of the working class. Throughout the play, Yank's sense of belonging defines both his character and his state of mind. Yank seems to describe power as belonging, and although he claims to belong to many groups, it is because of his own lack of intelligence that he inevitably finds himself isolated and powerless again. Although helpless, Yank usually acts violently against the environment in an attempt to prove himself. In this constant cycle, we see the tragedy of Yank's character and what he represents; he cannot belong because he is unintelligent, and he is unintelligent because he comes from the working class and is therefore not part of it. O'Neill thus manages to criticize the inescapable and oppressive nature of the American social hierarchy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay The opening of The Hairy Ape is the only instance in which Yank has a sense of place. However, he is unaware that this feeling of belonging as a firefighter constrains him, both physically and figuratively. Not only is Yank literally cramped under the more exclusive passenger decks, but his work is more reminiscent of a machine than a man. Yank even seems proud to admit that he is "smoke, express trains, steamboats, and factory whistles" (O'Neill 1057). Yet at the same time, Yank rejects the idea of ​​belonging to a clipper ship as the equivalent of death. Although the clipper is presented as the representation of an organic community that emphasizes teamwork and human relationships, Yank takes comfort in the fact that the Ocean Liner would not move without it, implying his role as a cog in the ship's machine and society itself. Like a cog in a machine, Yank is unable to escape his position in society. It is only through the appearance of Mildred that Yank seems to realize everything he is not. Seeing an individual on a higher social level than himself, Yank finally realizes that there is more to life than the oppressive lower decks of his ship. Yet even in this case, Yank is unable to rationalize his anger towards Mildred, as he takes the position of Rodin's "Thinker" but remains incapable of thinking rationally. After his sense of belonging was challenged, he was left powerless to think and act on the situation. Ultimately, Yank decided to jump ship and his sense of belonging not because it oppressed him, but to seek out and challenge Mildred and the threat to him. her power that she represented. On 5th Avenue, Yank becomes increasingly aware of his social class as he realizes how different he is from those around him. As his sense of belonging diminishes, Yank attempts to assert his power over the residents of 5th Avenue. “I belong, it’s me!” See that building going up over there? See the steel work? Steel, it's me! You guys live it and think you're somebody. But I'm in it, you see! (1074). However, Yank's sense of belonging is shattered when the upper-class citizens choose to completely ignore his rants and even his physical presence, instead classifying him as just an unintelligent commoner. Ironically, their impassive reaction is reminiscent of a machine, just as Yank was aboard the Ocean Liner. This serves O'Neill's purpose in criticizing the social standard of the time; he says there is no.