Az Eszterházy Károly Tanárképző Főiskola Tudományos Közleményei. 2002. Vol. 8. Eger Journal of American Studies.(Acta Academiae Paedagogicae Agriensis : Nova series ; Tom. 28)
Studies - Mária Kurdi: "Hold like rich garners the full-ripen'd grain." On the Scholarly Heritage of Péter Egri (1932-2002)
book. The author looks at several of the two writers' short stories to trace how they anticipate the short plays, while the short-story-like narrative and dramatic units in some of the full-length plays of both oeuvres are identified as important structural principles contributing to what Egri calls, justifiably, the "mosaic design" (68). While a fundamentally comparative study in its own right, Chekhov and O'Neill suceeded in achieving what A költészet valósága did not yet do: it developed an original theoretical conception and framework for an illustrated scrutiny of the working of the drama and the dramatic. Probably Egri's best book, its good reception and informed appreciation in Hungarian professional circles and also abroad were testified by the great number of reviews dedicated to it in journals and various other forums. Sampling these, the one from the pen of Frederick C. Wilkins contributed to The Eugene O'Neill Newsletter appears to be most thorough and comprehensive in both its synopsis and appraisal. The American O'Neill scholar writes: This is a rich and rewarding book, and if I begin with the comment that il is misrepresented by its title, I do so only to emphasize that Professor Egri's study extends considerably beyond its officially announced confines. [...] there are frequent and fruitful digressions into the relations between O'Neill's work and that of other writers as well, especially Conrad, Gorky, Synge and Ibsen; and the author's deep familiarity with the whole course of social and cultural history permits him to broaden his canvas periodically and show the origins and intricate evolution of the literary genres he is discussing [...]. Chekhov and O'Neill is not an easy book, either to read or to summarize. It defies immediate comprehension or glib recital. But the careful reader will, I know, share my gratitude to Professor Egri for adding a major volume to the O'Neill bookshelf. (32, 34) Another reviewer, Joyce Flynn for Irish Literary Supplement is similarly respectful of the analytical achievement of the book. Characteristically, he finds it appropriate to contextualize his comments by referring to Chekhov's popularity with Irish writers, especially playwrights. Regarding details he continues: "[...] the resemblances Egri highlights are persuasive: the most useful to teachers of O'Neill's drama being the allusions to Chekhov's The Seagull and the insight into Edmund's self-concept as an artist in his speeches late in Long Day's Journey Into Night " (30). 23
