Sept 11 is a significant date. It holds a certain weight and meaning.

On this day, we have the opportunity to engage with a particular work, in this case, "Long Day's Journey Into Night", which is presented in 5 parts and we are now at the 5th part.

This play likely delves into deep emotions, complex relationships, and the human condition. It may take the audience on a journey through the characters' lives, exploring their joys, sorrows, and the various challenges they face.

As we reach the end of this 5-part series, it's interesting to reflect on how the story has unfolded and what lessons or insights we can gain from it.

Sept 11 becomes not just a date but a platform for experiencing and understanding this powerful piece of art.

Perhaps it makes us think about our own lives, our relationships, and the choices we make.

It's a day to immerse ourselves in the world of the play and let it touch our hearts and minds.

This text pertains to O'Neill's final decade of creative output. In total, there are eight plays, and to make it even more comprehensive, a much earlier short story has been included as an added bonus.

I am awarding five stars based on three outstanding plays: "Ah, Wilderness!", "The Iceman Cometh", and "Long Day's Journey into Night". These works truly stand out for their excellence.

Most of the other plays in this collection do not reach the same level of quality. Moreover, the majority of them did not see the light of day during O'Neill's lifetime. However, with the exception of the unfinished "More Stately Mansions", they are all well worth reading.

Each play offers a unique perspective into O'Neill's creative mind and his exploration of various themes and human experiences. Despite the differences in quality, they all contribute to a better understanding of his body of work and his place in the history of American drama.

Overall, this collection provides a valuable opportunity for readers to explore O'Neill's later works and appreciate the breadth and depth of his talent.

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 purchased this book at my local used book store for $17.50. That's a few dollars more than a new trade paperback costs these days. However, I think it was money well spent.

This volume consists of Eugene O'Neil's most recognizable plays: "Ah, Wilderness", "The Iceman Cometh" and "A Long Day's Journey Into Night", amongst others.

Of these classic plays, "Ah, Wilderness" seems very dated. Yet, it still has charm to it. This play probably resonates more with people 50 and older than with teens or young adults. It just doesn't have the same impact as it did for people of my mother's generation. This shows how taboos surrounding sexuality and sexual expression have changed. Younger people would likely say, "What's the Big Deal???" or "WTF???" when reading this play.

The other two plays mentioned, "The Iceman Cometh" and "A Long Day's Journey Into Night", still pack a punch. They are powerful and engaging works that continue to captivate audiences and readers alike.

Overall, this collection of Eugene O'Neil's plays is a great addition to any library. It offers a glimpse into the mind of one of America's greatest playwrights and showcases his talent for creating complex and memorable characters.

I found these plays to be quite disappointing.

The good aspect is that he meticulously set up each scene, with a very detailed layout of furniture and such. However, the not-so-good part is that I think the actor instructions he described seemed extremely difficult to act out. For instance, "His manner is groping and awkwardly self-conscious, but stubbornly, almost sullenly, determined." This may not be a perfect example, but it shows the extent to which O'Neil attempts to prescribe the acting.

The pretty bad thing is that all too often a character ignores what the last character said. Well, perhaps that's what real people do, but it doesn't make for a smooth reading experience. Another bad point is that the moods change mercurially. Within a single paragraph, a character can go from combative to apologetic and back again, sometimes five or ten times over. It's a very bumpy ride for the reader.

Finally, I got tired of the length of the plays. "More Stately Mansions" was far too long. Due to that, I skipped "The Iceman Cometh" (I had also seen the movie recently). "A Long Day's Journey Into Night" was indeed long, and the ending... (spoiler excluded). After reading "Long Journey", I simply stopped.

Overall, these plays had several flaws that made them less enjoyable for me.

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.

The Library of America edition is not the one you should have.

Instead, it is time to replace your old edition with this new and improved one.

This updated version offers a wealth of benefits that the old one simply cannot match.

It may include revised content, enhanced formatting, and additional features that will make your reading experience even more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Don't hold onto the past when you can embrace the future with this new edition.

Make the switch today and discover a whole new world of literary excellence.

You'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

O'Neill's brilliance and his rightful place as America's preeminent playwright are firmly established, if they weren't already, with this third volume of plays from the final decade of his writing life.

The three plays presented here - The Iceman Cometh, Long Day's Journey Into Night, and A Moon for the Misbegotten - are absolute masterpieces. They are works of art of such great power that they rank among the most significant achievements in English literature.

Two other plays, Ah, Wilderness! and A Touch of the Poet, are also excellent. However, More Stately Mansions is, in my opinion, the one major failure in O'Neill's career. It is an interminable epic of back-and-forth soulful arguments that could have been (and sometimes was) more effectively presented in a much shorter play.

Nevertheless, I firmly believe that no American playwright has ever come close to matching O'Neill's ability to perceive the pain at the core of human beings and to so exquisitely encapsulate the pity that the lost heart both yearns for and requires. His works continue to resonate and inspire audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of theater.

Looking for hints of Louise Bryant, John Reed, Provincetown...

Recently, I came across a big fat book of plays. It was an interesting find that piqued my curiosity. I initially checked it out from the library, but after skimming through it, I decided to return it. However, I was so intrigued by the content that I made up my mind to read more about the topics it covered.

Specifically, I want to learn more about Louise Bryant and John Reed, two fascinating figures. Their relationship and their contributions to various fields have always fascinated me. Additionally, Provincetown seems to be an important place in their story, and I'm eager to discover what makes it so special.

So, even though I returned the book, it stays put in my mind. I know that I will be delving deeper into the lives of Louise Bryant and John Reed, as well as exploring the significance of Provincetown. I'm excited to see what new insights and knowledge I will gain from this exploration.

The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O'Neill is a remarkable play that has left a lasting impact on the world of theater.

Set in a seedy saloon in New York City, the play delves into the lives and dreams of a group of down-and-out characters.

The story unfolds as a mysterious figure, Hickey, arrives and disrupts the status quo.

O'Neill's masterful use of dialogue and character development brings these individuals to life, exploring themes of hope, disillusionment, and the human condition.

The play's title, "The Iceman Cometh," is a powerful metaphor for death and the inevitable end that awaits us all.

With its complex characters and profound themes, The Iceman Cometh is a must-see for any theater lover.

It challenges us to confront our own mortality and to question the meaning and purpose of our lives.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking and deeply moving work that continues to resonate with audiences today.