Long Day's Journey into Night Introduction

Wahat time period influenced O’Neill’s writing?

the Modern Period (1900-45)

What aspects of the Modern Period influenced O’Neill’s writing?

• experimentation of form and structure in the arts

• decline of mortality

• innovation and invention

• alienation

• pessimism

• loss

• Freudian theories

When was the play written?

1940

What is the setting of the play?

1912 in Connecticut

Why wasn’t the play published until 1956?

O’Neill didn’t want the play published during his lifetime

How is the play autobiographical?

it depicts the dysfunctionality of O’Neill’s own family, including his mother’s drug addiction and the family’s complex relationships

What general themes are present in the play?

• family dysfunction

• addiction

• inescapable influence of the past

How does the play depict the modernist theme of family dysfunction?

it delves into the complex and often destructive dynamics within the Tyrone family, highlighting their inability to communicate effectively and their tendency to blame each other

How does the play depict the modernist theme of addiction?

Mary’s morphine addiction and the family’s struggles with it are a central focus reflecting the modernist preoccupation with the destructive forces that can consume individuals and families

How does the play depict the modernist theme of the past?

it is deeply rooted in the past, with the characters constantly revisiting past events and unresolved conflicts and perpetual guilt reflecting the modernist interest in the impact of history on the present

How does the play depict the modernist theme of loss of meaning?

the characters grapple with a sense of meaninglessness and futility, questioning the purpose of their lives and the value of their relationships

How does the play depict the modernist theme of denial, blame and guilt?

• because the play is one about addiction and vice, O’Neill is interested in the ways in which his characters process their own predicaments as well as the family’s dysfunction

• O’Neill showcases how hard people will work to avoid confronting their guilt, which is most evident in how Mary tries to keep her family from focusing on her addiction and how James and Jamie blame each other for the family’s problems

How does the play depict the modernist theme of loneliness, isolation and belonging?

despite the fact that the Tyrone family lives together and is constantly surrounded by servants, they are all on their own when it comes to dealing with their emotions

How does the play depict the element of psychological realism?

it explores the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters in a way that was characteristic of modern drama

How does the play depict the element of autobiographical elements?

O’Neill draws on his own experiences and relationships with family

How does the play depict the element of lack of traditional structure?

it deviates from traditional dramatic structures, with a lack of clear resolution and a focus on the ongoing process of conflict and emotional turmoil

Who is the patriarch of the family?

James Tyrone

What are the characteristics of James Tyrone?

• actor

• owns various properties

• generally angry and combative

Who is the matriarch of the family?

Mary Tyrone

What are the characteristics of Mary?

• addicted to morphine

• nervous and agitated

• haunted by the foghorn

Who are Mary and James’ sons?

Edmund and James Jr. (Jamie)

What are the characteristics of Jamie?

• older son (appx. 33)

• actor

• alcoholic

What are the characteristics of Edmund?

• younger son (appx. 23)

• writes articles for a newspaper

• sickly due to tuberculosis

• loves the sea

Who is the Tyrone family’s sassy young Irish servant?

Cathleen

What does Cathleen’s character help do?

reveal some of Mary’s character traits including biases and her perceptions about class distinctions

What conflicts are present in the play?

• family

• tensions and shifts in American life

• alcoholism

• childhood trauma

• marital

• parent/child

• internal