1007 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1,1988
Ah, Wilderness - This remarkable work was completed on 11/01/12. It offers a unique perspective on the wild and untamed.
Days Without End - Finished on 05/05/13, this piece takes the reader on a journey through a seemingly endless expanse of time.
A Touch of the Poet - Completed on 03/28/14, it explores the essence of poetry and the poet's soul.
More Stately Mansions - Finished on 04/24/15, this work delves into the grandeur and mystery of magnificent residences.
The Iceman Cometh - Completed on 02/18/16, it presents a story that is both chilling and thought-provoking.
Long Day's Journey Into Night - Finished on 02/19/17, it takes us on a long and arduous journey into the darkness of the night.
Hughie - Completed on 01/03/18, this piece tells the tale of a man named Hughie and his experiences.
Moon for the Misbegotten - Finished on 02/08/19, it offers a poignant and beautiful exploration of love and longing.
Tomorrow - Completed on 01/02/20, it leaves us with a sense of anticipation and hope for what lies ahead.
I never get tired of Eugene O'Neill. His works always have a unique charm that attracts me deeply. My favorite among his plays is Long Day's Journey Into Night. I am really fascinated by the irony of addiction presented in it. It shows how people can be trapped in their addictions and how it affects their lives and relationships.
However, this time when I read The Iceman Cometh, I found it a little boring. Maybe it's because I've read it before, or perhaps my mood at that time wasn't suitable for this play. I'm not really sure. But despite this, I still love O'Neill's plays. His writing style is so powerful and profound that it can touch the deepest part of our souls.
Each of his plays is like a mirror, reflecting the various aspects of human nature and society. Even if some plays may not be to my taste at a certain moment, I know that they all have their own value and significance. I will continue to explore and appreciate O'Neill's works, hoping to discover more of their hidden treasures.
Every play he wrote was published in a sweet and durable edition. It was truly a remarkable achievement. The attention to detail and the quality of the production were outstanding. The durability of the edition ensured that these plays would be enjoyed by generations to come. The sweet aspect perhaps referred to the charm and beauty of the plays themselves. They had a certain allure that captivated audiences. I don't think it gets much better than this. It was a perfect combination of great writing and excellent production. The plays were not only a form of entertainment but also a work of art. They had the power to touch people's hearts and minds. It was a testament to the author's talent and creativity. Overall, it was an amazing experience to see these plays in such a wonderful edition.
I found it extremely difficult to fully engage myself in most of these plays. The plots or themes of a significant number of them appeared to be far too contrived, making it nearly impossible for me to suspend my disbelief. For instance, The Iceman Cometh seemed particularly forced in its final 'plot twist'. It was as if the playwright was trying too hard to create a sense of shock or surprise, rather than allowing the story to unfold naturally.
Other plays, especially the unfinished More Stately Mansions, seemed to drag on and on. The characters and their actions, in my opinion, were completely unbelievable. They lacked depth and authenticity, making it difficult for me to connect with them on any level.
I once came across a piece of advice related to screen writing, which stated that each character should have a unique voice. This means that one should be able to read a piece of dialog and immediately know, without the need for stage instructions or labels, who is speaking that line. Unfortunately, this rule is more often than not violated in these plays. I had to deliberately look at the name label of each line of dialogue to remind myself who was supposed to be speaking.
Overall, I was neither entertained nor moved by any of the plays. I also do not feel that I learned much from them. They failed to capture my attention and left me feeling disappointed and unfulfilled.