Narcissism, the family, and madness
Subtitle: a self-psychological study of Eugene O'Neill and his plays
By: Maria T. Miliora.
Series: Artists and issues in the theatre,; v. 13
Publisher: P. Lang
Published: 2000
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 175
Subjects: O'Neill, Eugene, 1888-1953 -- Criticism and interpretation; O'Neill, Eugene, 1888-1953 -- Knowledge -- Psychology; Literature and mental illness -- United States -- History -- 20th century; Domestic drama, American -- History and criticism; Drama -- Psychological aspects; Mentally ill in literature; Narcissism in literature; Family in literature; Self in literature
Description: "Narcissism, the Family, and Madness applies the constructs of psychoanalytic self psychology - with a focus on narcissistic fantasies - to the life and works of Eugene O'Neill. The self-psychological analysis of O'Neill's plays enables us to see how narcissism and violence are intertwined in dysfunctional families. In many of the plays, violence and madness erupt when characters lose the important emotional experience of having a sense of belonging to a home and family.

Another theme explored in the book is how family dynamics of a destructive nature contribute to individuals becoming chemically addicted. In short, the book addresses the important contemporary issues of dysfunctional families, violence, madness, and addictions and shows how these themes derive from O'Neill's experiences growing up within an addicted family."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [157]-167) and index.