Eugene O’Neill’s ‘Long Day’s Journey into oNight’ is classed as a master piece since it was first performed in Sweden in 1956, he wrote the script in 1940
O’Neill gave explicit instructions that the script should not be made public until 25 years after his death, yet alone be performed.
The reasons behind this were because this autobiographical play was based around O’Neil’s own family.
The drama takes place in the Tyrone family’s summer residence on the coast of Connecticut.
James Tyrone the family’s successful actor father, Mary Tyrone, Jamie Tyrone, the older son, and Edmund Tyrone, the younger son, make up the family.
The Deep intimate portrait of his mother (Mary) and her morphine addiction, his tight fisted father (James) and younger brother (Edmund) who suffering from consumption.
The play is structured into four acts, each revealing more layers of the characters, O’Neill exposes the raw emotions and grievances that blind and divide the family.
Morning Shadows in Act 1
Mary appears lost and withdrawn when the play begins in the morning. It becomes clear that she has been getting treatment for her morphine addiction. Although they are aware of her addiction, James and his sons choose not to publicly acknowledge it. Instead, they get into a series of disputes and accusations that expose underlying grudges and unrealized desires.
Afternoon Shadows: Act 2
Tensions among the family are growing as the day goes on. As Mary talks wistfully about her past and her aspirations to become a nun, her addiction becomes more and more obvious.
Because Edmund is their father’s favorite and is pursuing a career as a writer, which Jamie views as impracticable, Jamie, who is also battling alcoholism, resents Edmund for being the latter. He admits that he now hates the girl named Eileen, with whom he once had a connection.
The news that Edmund has tuberculosis was just shared with his family, adding to their concerns. James regrets the family’s financial troubles and the expense of treating Edmund.
Evening Shadows: Act 3
The disagreements within the family come to a head as night falls. As Mary relives her youth and fantasises about a better existence. She calls her spouse stingy and holds him responsible for her morphine addiction.
Jamie and Edmund discuss their mistakes and setbacks with one another, it becomes painfully obvious that the family is unable to escape their upsetting pasts and damaging routines.
Each family member is left alone in their own despondency and unsaid pain as the performance comes to a close.
The climax of the play occurs as the family reaches the peak of their emotional.
The play ends as it began, with little hope for change. Mary’s fixation on the past represents an escape from the unbearable present. The Tyrone family’s inability to support each other through their individual and collective crises.
