Epiphanies Drug Induced and Not
... Epiphanies provide a clearer understanding of oneself, which proves quite true in the case of James Tyrone, the actor, father, and husband. James Tyrone probably has one of the toughest roles in the entire family, and though his moment of realization does not make life any easier, he does learn a fundamental lesson. ... On my solemn oath, Edmund, I’d gladly face not having an acre of land to call my own, nor a penny in the bank—I’d be willing to have no home but the poorhouse in my old age if I could look back now on having been the fine artist I might have been” (151). ... James learns that his attachment does not involve his money directly, but instead the cost of the vision that once might have existed. Obviously, James’s epiphany does not go disregarded since he says, “You can choose any place you like! ... Soon after, James’ son, Jamie follows his father’s example, whether knowingly or not, when he spills his thoughts to Edmund. ... I know that’s not your fault but all the same, God damn you, I can’t help hating your guts-! ... Jamie personally learns that he cannot trust himself, his self-control does not exist, and deep down inside, he truly has died. Unfortunately, Mary’s epiphany makes life no easier for the rest of the Tyrones, not that any of the characters ever truly expected her to alleviate their problems. ... Edmund Tyrone, the embodiment of O’Neill’s memories, has one of the earlier epiphanies in the play. None of the Tyrone’s epiphanies comprises of much happiness, and Edmund’s instance of revelation does not break with the trend. ... As it is, I will always be a stranger who never feels at home, who does not really want and is not really wanted, who can never belong, who must always be a little in love with death” (154). ... In his moment of clarity, Edmund understands that he does not belong anywhere and feels he has no purpose to his life.