Eleven One-Act Plays of August Strindberg: A Literary Expedition into the Human Psyche

August Strindberg, the Swedish literary icon of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, left an indelible mark on the world of drama with his groundbreaking and provocative works. Among his extensive repertoire, his collection of eleven one-act plays stands as a testament to his profound insights into the human condition and his exceptional ability to explore the complexities of human relationships.

Strindberg's one-act plays, often described as "dramatic miniatures," are concise, yet potent explorations of universal themes such as love, hate, jealousy, and the struggle for power. Through his incisive characters and gripping narratives, Strindberg dissects the inner workings of the human psyche, laying bare the raw emotions and hidden motives that drive our actions.

Eleven One-Act Plays of August Strindberg: The Outlaw, Creditors, Pariah, The Stronger, Simoon, Debit and Credit, Facing Death, Motherly Love, The Link, The First Warning, After the Fire

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	689 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	273 pages

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In this article, we embark on a literary expedition into Strindberg's eleven one-act plays, examining their significance, key themes, and the enduring impact they have had on the world of theater and literature. Join us as we delve into the depths of Strindberg's dramatic universe, unraveling the profound insights and literary brilliance that have captivated readers and audiences alike for generations.

1. Stronger (1889)

Synopsis

Stronger is a gripping tale of marital discord and the struggle for dominance between a husband and wife. Adolf, an arrogant and condescending professor, manipulates his wife, Marie, into a state of subservience. However, Marie's suppressed anger and resentment eventually erupt, leading to a climactic confrontation that exposes the fragility of their marriage.

Themes

• Power dynamics in marriage
• The destructive effects of manipulation
• The hidden rage and resentment lurking beneath the surface of relationships

2. The Outlaw (1889)

Synopsis

The Outlaw follows the story of a young woman, Gerda, who is ostracized from her community after an illegitimate pregnancy. Forced to live in isolation, Gerda's sanity begins to unravel as she grapples with the consequences of her actions and the loneliness of her existence.

Themes

• The social consequences of sexual transgression
• The fragility of mental health in the face of adversity
• The transformative power of isolation and solitude

3. Creditors (1889)

Synopsis

Creditors is a psychological thriller that explores the themes of jealousy, artistic rivalry, and the destructive nature of financial debt. Adolph, an artist, and Tekla, his wife, find themselves entangled in a web of deceit and manipulation as they struggle with their own creative aspirations and financial obligations.

Themes

• The destructive effects of jealousy and artistic rivalry
• The power of money to corrupt relationships
• The struggle between artistic freedom and financial obligations

4. Pariah (1889)

Synopsis

Pariah is a powerful indictment of social hypocrisy and the persecution of those who are different. Axel, a young artist, is ostracized from his community after falling in love with a woman who is considered a social outcast. Together, they face the challenges of prejudice and discrimination.

Themes

• The destructive power of social prejudice
• The resilience of love in the face of adversity
• The transformative power of personal growth and acceptance

5. The Father (1887)

Synopsis

The Father is a masterpiece of psychological drama that explores the complexities of family relationships and the fragility of the human mind. Captain, a retired army officer, becomes increasingly paranoid and possessive of his daughter, Laura, as he suspects his wife is plotting against him.

Themes

• The destructive effects of paranoia and jealousy
• The power struggles within families
• The fragility of the human mind and the dangers of mental illness

6. Miss Julie (1888)

Synopsis

Miss Julie is a tragic tale of class conflict and forbidden love. Miss Julie, a young aristocrat, falls in love with Jean, a valet who works on her father's estate. Their relationship, fueled by passion and social transgression, ultimately leads to tragedy.

Themes

• The destructive consequences of societal class differences
• The power of love to transcend social boundaries
• The tragic nature of forbidden relationships

7. The Pelican (1892)

Synopsis

The Pelican is a haunting and evocative play that explores the themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and the destructive effects of secrets. Margaret, a mother, struggles to maintain her family's happiness while keeping a dark secret that threatens to destroy everything.

Themes

• The unconditional love and sacrifice of mothers
• The corrosive nature of secrets and guilt
• The transformative power of truth and redemption

8. The Ghost Sonata (1907)

Synopsis

The Ghost Sonata is a surreal and enigmatic play that explores the themes of identity, reality, and the subconscious. The Mummy, a ghostly figure, haunts a family, revealing the hidden secrets and unresolved conflicts within the household.

Themes

• The fluidity of identity and the blurring of reality
• The power of the subconscious to shape our lives
• The destructive nature of unresolved conflicts and emotional baggage

9. A Dream Play (1902)

Synopsis

A Dream Play is a groundbreaking and experimental play that defies conventional narrative structures. It follows the dream-like journey of Agnes, a young woman who encounters a series of surreal and symbolic characters, exploring the depths of the human psyche.

Themes

• The subconscious and the power of dreams
• The interconnectedness of all things and the fluidity of reality
• The search for meaning and purpose in a complex and chaotic world

10. The Dance of Death (1900)

Synopsis

Eleven One-Act Plays of August Strindberg: The Outlaw, Creditors, Pariah, The Stronger, Simoon, Debit and Credit, Facing Death, Motherly Love, The Link, The First Warning, After the Fire

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	689 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	273 pages

FREE