Many a challenging crossword clue sends us down unexpected rabbit holes, pulling us into realms of history, science, or, as is often the case, profound literature. There’s a particular satisfaction in untangling a knotty literary
crossword clue
, especially one that hinges on a single, evocative word. Today’s focus is on one such gem, a
crossword clue
that immediately evokes the brooding, often melancholic, world of American theatre’s titan: Eugene O’Neill.
Eugene O’Neill, a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner and Nobel laureate, stands as an undisputed giant of American drama. His plays, characterized by their psychological depth and unsparing examination of the human condition, redefined the stage. O’Neill’s world is one of deeply flawed characters, often grappling with addiction, illusion, and the crushing weight of their pasts. He pioneered American realism, yet his work frequently transcends it, delving into existential despair and the fragile glimmer of hope. Understanding the essence of an O’Neill play is key to cracking many a sophisticated
crossword clue
related to his oeuvre.
The specific phrasing of this intriguing
crossword clue
—”Who ‘cometh’ in a Eugene O’Neill play”—is particularly striking. The archaic verb “cometh” immediately infuses the question with a sense of destiny, almost a biblical gravity. It suggests an arrival of immense significance, a figure whose presence fundamentally alters the landscape of the play. In O’Neill’s universe, such an arrival is rarely straightforward. It often heralds either a final, crushing disillusionment or, perhaps, a fleeting, desperately yearned-for chance at redemption. This character isn’t just “entering” or “arriving”; they are
coming
, with all the weight of expectation and symbolic power that “cometh” implies. This specific nuance is what elevates a simple theatrical query into a truly memorable
crossword clue
.
Consider O’Neill’s recurring themes: the search for belonging, the pursuit of an elusive dream, the solace (or destruction) found in pipe dreams, and the cyclical nature of human suffering. The character indicated by this
crossword clue
embodies many of these leitmotifs. They are often seen as a catalyst, or perhaps a mirror, reflecting the deepest desires and most painful truths of the other characters. Their ‘coming’ is not just a plot point; it is the philosophical core of the drama, forcing others to confront their illusions head-on. The play in question explores the desperate need for an ultimate release, a permanent cessation of pain, and how different individuals approach this yearning. The figure in the
crossword clue
represents the culmination of this longing, whether it be a path to peace or merely another, greater illusion. This interplay between hope and despair is a hallmark of O’Neill’s genius and central to solving this particular
crossword clue
.
O’Neill’s ability to craft characters who are simultaneously deeply personal and universally resonant makes his work a goldmine for literary allusions in puzzles. This specific
crossword clue
doesn’t just ask for a name; it invites reflection on the play’s profound philosophical underpinnings. It forces solvers to recall not just plot points, but the emotional and existential weight of O’Neill’s dramatic vision. The power of this
crossword clue
lies in its ability to transport you directly into the play’s setting, feeling the atmosphere of weary hope and inevitable disappointment. For those who relish the intellectual challenge of a well-crafted literary
crossword clue
, this one undoubtedly stands out as a masterclass in subtle misdirection and profound implication. It’s a testament to how a few carefully chosen words in a puzzle can open up entire worlds of meaning.
Available Answers:
ICEMAN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Gary Larson & Amy Ensz / Ed. Patti Varol