Introduction
Mourning becomes Electra is a trilogy (a play in three parts), written by O'Neill. This play is written as an imitation of a Greek drama Oresteia by Aeschylus. This drama features a story of the 'moral' demise of the Mannon family in which Adam Brant is seen playing a key role in initial point.
Who is Adam Brant?
Mr. Adam Brant is a clipper-ship (known as Flying Trades) sea captain who is attractive physically, roguish and most importantly, romantic aesthetically. He is born out of the wedlock, committed by Ezra Mannon's brother David when he took liberties with a French nurse Marie Brantome. Brant is thrown outside by his father and he lives up his childhood/boyhood in poverty and abuse (from the society). He is sent to the sea where he learns how to captain. When his mother seeks help from Ezra Mannon, she is rejected and Brant takes the "humble pie" (insult) with a burning vengeance.
Brant as a Lover
Brant returns back from the sea to seek vengeance upon Ezra Mannon for rejecting the request of [financial] help of his mother. But he ends up loving Christine, the wife of Ezra Mannon. They enjoy in The Islands and Lavinia Mannon breaks the ice upon their secret love affair. Why does Christine start enjoying with Brant? Because he looks like Orin and Ezra. Is Brant's love for Christine as pure as a transparent sheet of glass or a manipulative tact to take revenge on Ezra Mannon? It is both. See how does he state the fact behind his love in the Act 2 of Homecoming,
I remember the night we were introduced and I heard the name Mrs. Ezra Mannon! By God, how I hated you for being his! I thought, by God, I'll take her from him and that'll be part of my revenge! And out of that my love came! It's damned queer, isn't it?
[Brant is also confused whether his love is authentic or a revenge. 😁 Well, we may call his love a romantic revenge. ]
Brant as a Villain
Now it is clear that Brant wants to take revenge on Ezra and why. But it is still unclear how does he want to accomplish his retribution (punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act, says Google). He wants to fulfil his revenge like a man by fighting a duel with Ezra but it is Christine, who 'compels' him to poison her husband. His initial response is surprising,
Poison! It's a coward's trick!
But Christine makes him bring the poison and completes her desire on Brant's behalf. So, Brant proves a reasonable Villain to Ezra Mannon.
Conclusion
Adam Brant's villainy is propelled by the illicit relationship of his father and Christine's desire to enjoy a good time with the youthful Ezra. In accompanying Christine, he ends up losing his life.
Sources and Suggested Readings
- https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/literature/mourning-becomes-electra/adam-brant
- https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Mourning-Becomes-Electra/character-analysis/
- https://www.gradesaver.com/mourning-becomes-electra/study-guide/character-list
- https://www.sparknotes.com/drama/mourning/character/adam-brant/
