Literatrue
...widely esteemed as the finest. He won the Nobel Prize for his exploring serious themes in theatre and his experimenting with theatrical conventions. Long Day's Journey into Night written in tears and blood is somewhat autobiographical. The Tyrones of the play are in fact modeled on the O'Neill family. However, like most great works of literature, the play reaches beyond its immediate subject, dedicated not only to the life of the American family, but also “to the life of Man, to life itself”. It is a combination of autobiographical facts and artistic fiction. It expresses the common contradictions and the double character of man in terms of the drama. Its value will be appreciated long after the details of O'Neill's personal life are forgotten. As it is shown, Long Day's Journey into Night is remarkable. Nobody can remain indifferent after reading and watching it. People with different background may have different responses. The writer of this thesis is specially stunned by two facts exposed in this play: the exposition of sources of the tragedy and the unique techniques to create tragic and vivid characters. These have constituted the subjects that are to be explored in this thesis with the aim to have a better understanding and appreciation of O'Neill's greatest work.
2. Artistic approach to the tragedy
Long Day’s Journey into Night is one of O’Neill’s four greatest tragedies. It is a combination of autobiographical facts and artistic fiction. It expresses the common contradictions and the double character of man in terms of the drama. Its value will be appreciated long after the details of O’Neill’s personal life are forgotten.
2.1 Plot to the tragedy—A family tragedy
In the play, O'Neill depicts the Tyrones’ life in one day. James Tyrone, a rather successful actor, belongs to middle bourgeoisie. However, it is...
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