The Iceman Cometh (1939)

O'Neill's Dark Examination of Illusion and Despair

Written by: Eugene O'Neill
Premiere Date: 1946 (posthumously)
Genre: Drama
Setting: A run-down saloon and boarding house in New York City, 1912

Introduction

"The Iceman Cometh" is one of Eugene O'Neill’s most renowned plays, written in 1939 but not staged until 1946 due to its intensely bleak themes and complex characters. The play is a tragic exploration of self-delusion, despair, and the human need for illusion in order to cope with life’s harsh realities. Set in a seedy bar filled with washed-up characters clinging to their "pipe dreams," The Iceman Cometh delves deep into the psychology of its characters, as they are forced to confront the truth about their lives.

Plot Overview

The play unfolds in Harry Hope’s saloon, a gathering place for a group of down-and-out regulars who drink and reminisce while holding onto their dreams of a better future—dreams that they never take action to fulfill. These men and women have all fallen into a pattern of inertia, where their only solace comes from alcohol and the lies they tell themselves about their future.

The arrival of Theodore "Hickey" Hickman, a charismatic traveling salesman and friend of the group, disrupts the routine. Hickey, who has stopped drinking, encourages the bar's regulars to confront the reality of their delusions and let go of their "pipe dreams" to find peace. As the characters struggle with Hickey’s insistence that they face the truth, it becomes clear that Hickey himself harbors a dark secret, which culminates in a shocking confession. The play ultimately reveals the devastating impact of confronting one’s illusions and the necessity of delusion for survival.

Themes

• Self-Delusion and "Pipe Dreams": The characters in The Iceman Cometh live in a state of denial, clinging to unattainable dreams and illusions about their futures. The play explores how people rely on these delusions to avoid confronting painful truths about their lives.
• Despair and Isolation: The play paints a picture of profound loneliness and emotional isolation, as each character is trapped in their own failed ambitions and self-imposed exile from the world.
• The Human Condition: O'Neill presents a bleak but honest portrayal of the human condition, questioning whether individuals can survive without some form of comforting delusion.

Characters

• Theodore "Hickey" Hickman: A traveling salesman and former alcoholic who arrives at Harry Hope’s bar with a newfound mission to strip the regulars of their "pipe dreams."
• Harry Hope: The owner of the saloon, who, like his customers, is stuck in a life of stagnation and unfulfilled promises to himself.
• Larry Slade: A former anarchist who is now disillusioned with life and functions as a detached observer of the events in the bar.
• Parritt: A young man who comes to Larry for guidance, haunted by his betrayal of his mother, a former anarchist.
• The Bar Regulars: A collection of drunks and outcasts, including former politicians, gamblers, and prostitutes, each clinging to dreams they know they will never fulfill.

Production History

"The Iceman Cometh" was first produced in 1946, seven years after it was written, debuting on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre. Though initial reactions were mixed due to its length and dark tone, the play has since become one of O'Neill’s most celebrated works. Notable revivals have featured acclaimed actors such as Jason Robards, Kevin Spacey, and Denzel Washington, cementing the play’s reputation as one of the most challenging and rewarding dramas in American theater.

Influence

"The Iceman Cometh" is regarded as one of O'Neill’s greatest works, a searing examination of human weakness and the lies we tell ourselves to survive. The play has become a staple of American theater, influencing generations of playwrights with its rich character development, psychological depth, and exploration of existential despair.

Quotes

• “There’s no end to the delusions that make life bearable.” – Hickey

• “The lie of a pipe dream is what gives life to the whole misbegotten mad lot of us, drunk or sober!” – Larry Slade

Further Reading

• Explore O'Neill’s other late works, including Long Day’s Journey Into Night and A Moon for the Misbegotten, which share similar themes of self-delusion, family, and the harsh truths of life.
• The Iceman Cometh is often discussed in the context of existentialist theater, making it a valuable study for those interested in themes of despair and the search for meaning.