Desire Under the Elms is a play written by Eugene O'Neill in 1924. The play follows the story of Eben Cabot, a farmer who returns to his family's farm after a long absence. He is met with hostility from his father, Ephraim Cabot, and his brother, Simeon Cabot. Eben also meets Abbie Putnam, a young woman who has been living on the farm with her son, Loren. The play follows the story of Eben and Abbie's forbidden love, and the consequences of their actions. The term Desire Under the Elms is derived from the title of the play, which refers to the elm trees that surround the farm.