"Desire Under the Elms" takes place on the Cabot farm in rural New England. The people in the play are low on the social ladder and not of noble birth or royalty. The subject matter is not mythological and the plot is serious and complex and throughout the play there is evidence of harsh and cruel treatment of the individuals by the Puritan society.

The play shows unity of action and the events follow in a logical sequence. The play is based on the struggles of family members possessed by greed and revenge. Each of the characters believes that they are entitled to the farm. Eben strengthens his rights to the farm by offering his brothers money he steals from his father. The arrival of Abbie on the farm is the starting point of the conflict. Her greed and sexual desires present her as a threat to both...