Long Day's Journey into Night Act 1 Summary
Introduction of the author, O'Neill:
Eugene O'Neill (1888-1953) was an American writer. A play, Long Day's Journey into Night, is his masterpiece. The publisher published this play after the death of Neill. The critics say that it reflects Neill's personal life story in many ways. He was the first U.S. dramatist who viewed the stage as a literary medium. Neill was also the first American playwright who won the noble prize for literature.
Learn English Language and Literature with me on Preply
There are four acts of the play, Long Day's Journey into Night. Its characters are James Tyrone, Mary Tyrone, Jamie Tyrone, Edmund Tyrone, and Cathleen. In this article, Long Day's Journey into Night Act 1 summary is described whose main points are:
- The play deals with a critical day of Tyrone family in August 1912. A reader becomes aware of all the characters during act 1. Also, the reader knows some familial problems of the play during first act. Their issues are mutual bitterness for the past deeds and the absence of trust for one another. In the first act, it is revealed that Mary Tyrone returned home from a rehabilitation centre recently. She has remained a drug addict for many years. All family members welcome and praise her after seeing her healthy with intensity in their emotions. James Tyrone Sr. shows his happiness by profusely kissing his wife, Mary Tyrone, and appreciating her charming eyes. All family members feel that Mary Tyrone will not touch morphine again due to her bitter experience related to morphine use.
- Edmund's (son) poor health is another source of tension for the family in the act. He faces the struggle of life and death due to being a consumptive or T.B. patient. Although, Edmund suffers from this disease and his end seems near, but his father wants to confirm the presence of this ailment in his son from a family quack named Dr Hardy. Then, James Tyrone rejects the familial idea of giving Edmund's case to a specialist for consideration. He goes out of the way for justifying his choice for sending Edmund's case to Dr Hardy.
- Moreover, there starts an argument between James Tyrone Sr. and another son called James Tyrone Jr. nicknamed as Jamie for their respective options to Edmund's treatment. Jamie says mockingly that Dr Hardy is a quack who collects money by treating human life miserably. Then, Mr Tyrone curses his son Jamie for ridiculing his suggestion about Edmund's treatment. Also, upon finding himself entrapped by his son's arguments, Mr Tyrone begins criticizing him. Jr. Tyrone gets blamed for having repeated failures at the stage acting jobs provided to him by his father.
- The first act of Long Day's Journey into Night ends in despair from hope. It gets confirmed that Mary is still a victim of morphine and her past affliction (the habit of strong criticism). She does not restrain herself from taking drugs in the absence of others. Edmund (her favourite child) requests his mother not to use drugs and die unnaturally. Mary is not happy because of the suspicion of her closest relatives. She tells her family members that she finds very hard to live at home due to their distrust and fear.
Conclusion:
So, that's all about Long Day's Journey into Night Act 1 summary. I hope you liked the article. For more such updates, subscribe to my blog.