For O'Neill the essence of human existance in the universe is tragic. Tragism appears to be immanent and ontological as it comes out of an immanent opposition: human strivings to some purposes and fighting against obstacles, that prevent them from accomplishing their desires and strivings. The obstacles as well as Human strivings vary according to person's individuality (race, background, social status, etc.). To show men's immanent or archetypal tragedy O'Neill uses Parody in "Desire under the Elms". It appears to be a Biblical Parody device that accentuates the invalidity of characters' desires, and reveals the real essence of collision in drama.