Long Day’s Journey into Night is structured as a day in the life of the Tyrone family. Mary Tyrone, the mother, has recently returned from the sanatorium where she supposedly conquered her morphine addiction. The rest of the family is suspicious that she is taking morphine again. Eugene O’Neill reveals the family relationships and the effect that Mary’s addiction has had on the family’s past and present. The Tyrone men drink to forget their problems, but Mary’s presence is a constant reminder. The Tyrones represent the O’Neills, a family who struggled with alcohol, drug addiction, and the inability to communicate and understand present problems and past failures.

Students analyze literary techniques and structure. They make connections in the play with journal assignments. They study and appreciate poetry. They examine foreshadowing, symbolism, themes, characteristics of tragedy, and characters’ communication patterns. Students implement active listening skills.

 

Supplementary materials include an objective test with answer key, essay topics, suggestions for oral presentations, and optional activities.