O'Neill, Eugene: 1888-1953

Long Day's Journey Into Night, 1941 - Summary

  • Set in August 1912, the story revolves around the Tyrone family, consisting of James Tyrone Sr., his wife Mary, and their two sons, Jamie and Edmund.

    The play unfolds over the course of a single day, revealing the intricate layers of tension, resentment, and unspoken truths within the family. James Tyrone Sr. is a successful actor known for his frugality, which sometimes borders on stinginess. Mary Tyrone is a former convent girl who struggles with morphine addiction, which she initially began taking for health reasons. Jamie, the elder son, is cynical and alcoholic, while Edmund, the younger son, is an aspiring writer suffering from tuberculosis.

    Throughout the play, the family members confront their past regrets, personal demons, and strained relationships. They engage in heated arguments, reminisce about happier times, and confront the harsh realities of their present circumstances. Mary's addiction serves as a central conflict, haunting the family and exacerbating their already fragile emotional state.

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