"For all its realism Long Day's Journey into Night is full of symbols" . Symbolism pervades all: Eugene O'Neill's work and his plots develop through it. The hidden or esoteric symbols portray the journey of a family from the brightness of day into the darkness of inertia. Symbolism gives a representation of human existence in decay and disintegration. The playwright's use of it may suggest that it is something more than just itself. Its use has an emotional effect upon an audience and is generally more powerful than any non-symbolic statement.

In order to become fully aware of the power and tragedy of Long Day's Journey into Night, one must try to put oneself in the position of the people in the play. A day in the life of a family passes and the night that follows it brings the crisis. A great power is present in its central...