Desire Under the Elms Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of Desire Under the Elms?

Ephraim Cabot is an old man of amazing vitality who loves his New England farm with a greedy passion. Hating him, and sharing his greed, are the sons of two wives Cabot has overworked into early graves. Most bitter is Eben, whose mother had owned most of the farm, and who feels who should be sole heir. When the old man brings home a new wife, Anna, she becomes a fierce contender to inherit the farm. Two of the sons leave when Eben gives them the fare in return for their shares of the farm. Meanwhile, Anna tries to cause some sparks by rubbing up against Eben.

Delbert Mann's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Sophia Loren (Anna Cabot)'s journey. Hating him, and sharing his greed, are the sons of two wives Cabot has overworked into early graves.

How Does Sophia Loren (Anna Cabot)'s Story End?

• Sophia Loren: Sophia Loren's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Anthony Perkins (Abel Cabot): Anthony Perkins's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Burl Ives (Éphraïm Cabot): Burl Ives's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Desire Under the Elms Mean?

Desire Under the Elms's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Sophia Loren may feel rushed. Delbert Mann's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.