What literary device is prominently featured in Eugene O'Neill's works, including "Long Day's Journey Into Night"?

Eugene O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey Into Night" is fundamentally an autobiographical play that draws heavily from his own life experiences, particularly the dynamics within his family. This semi-autobiographical nature allows O'Neill to explore deeply personal themes such as addiction, illness, and familial conflict, reflecting the complexities of his own relationships with his family members.

While O'Neill does incorporate elements of realism, symbolism, and even stream of consciousness to convey the emotional depth of the characters, the essence of the work lies in its autobiographical roots. The characters and their struggles mirror O'Neill's own experiences, making the play a poignant exploration of personal and familial themes. Therefore, understanding the autobiographical aspect is crucial in analyzing the motivations and backgrounds of the characters, as well as the overall impact of the play.