Alas, it takes James so long to realize what truly matters to him. Whereas the money that he so eagerly hoards has no meaning, the acting talent that he so regrettably loses means everything. Perhaps because of the loss of something so precious, James turns to caring for the money that he believes cost him his dream. The selfishness James displayed during Edmund's birth as well as his continuous thriftiness finally provides perspective for him. 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! Never mind what it costs! Any place that I can afford- (148). Though says this before his epiphany, the fact still stands that he challenges the selfishness within himself. Soon after, James' son, Jamie follows his father's example, whether knowingly or not, when he spills his thoughts to Edmund.
James Tyrone Junior's epiphany reveals much about his character. Once he realizes that his mother has fallen once again into her "fog,"" he attempts to drown his misery with liquor. Perhaps the drink finally loosens his tongue, because when he finds his way back home late at night, he finds Edmund and begins to talk to him. He tells Edmund how he, Jamie, tried to make Edmund fail, how because he had fallen, he wanted company in his misery. He finally breaks and says, "And it was your being born that started Mama on dope. I know that's not your fault but all the same, God damn you, I can't help hating your guts-!- (166). His epiphany brings out all the dark thoughts he harbored in his mind, and Jamie realizes that much of the good parts of him died a long time ago. Now, as he puts it, "He wants company, he doesn't want to be the only corpse around the house!- (166). The importance in this lies in the fact that Edmund finally understands who Jamie holds partially to blame for his mother's addiction.