Open Sesame

Introduction Francis Bacon’s essay “Of Friendship” explains the importance, value, and uses of friendship in human life. He begins with Aristotle’s famous saying: “Whosoever is delighted in solitude is either a wild beast or a god.” By this, Bacon means that human beings cannot live alone. Those who enjoy complete solitude are either animal-like, having no need for society, or god-like, being self-sufficient. Most people need the company of others to live happily. Solitude and the Need for Companionship Bacon mentions a few men — Epimenides, Numa, Empedocles, and Apollonius of Tyana — who lived in isolation for higher purposes. Yet, Bacon calls their attempts “false and feigned,” suggesting that human nature is not made for such separation. He adds that even among people, one may feel lonely. Faces may be like “a gallery of pictures,” and conversations without love are like “tinkling cymbals.” He quotes a Latin proverb: “Magna civitas, magna solitudo” — “A great city is a great s...

  Eugene O'Neill was a renowned American playwright. He was born in New York City on October 16, 1888, and passed away on November 27, 1953. O'Neill is widely acknowledged as one of the most significant playwrights in American history. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1936.   O'Neill's plays frequently delve into topics such as dysfunctional family dynamics, addiction, and existential despair. Some of his major works include Long Day's Journey Into Night , The Iceman Cometh , Desire Under the Elms, and A Moon for the Misbegotten . His plays are known for their profound psychological depth, vivid characterizations, and poetic language. O'Neill's contributions to American theatre were highly significant and his work continues to influence American theatre today. His plays are popular among academics and are studied widely both nationally and internationally.  Long Day's Journey Into Night This is a semi-autobiographical play is known for i...

  Alienation is a complex concept that has been widely studied in psychology, sociology, philosophy, and other fields.  Alienation refers to a state of feeling disconnected, separated, or estranged from oneself, others, or society. It can involve a sense of isolation, loneliness, or detachment from one's own feelings, thoughts, values, or identity.  refer to a feeling of being excluded, marginalized, or oppressed by social structures, institutions, or cultural norms.  arise from various factors such as social inequality, economic exploitation, political oppression, or cultural differences.  The origins of the concept of alienation can be traced back to the writings of philosophers such as Hegel, Marx, and Kierkegaard. Hegel saw alienation as a product of the individual's failure to recognize their own potential and to integrate themselves into society. Marx, on the other hand, saw alienation as a result of the capitalist system, where workers are reduced to mer...