Plays by August Strindberg, Second series

by August Strindberg

"Plays by August Strindberg, Second Series" by August Strindberg is a collection of dramatic works written during the late 19th century. This series includes plays that explore complex themes of morality, relationships, and societal challenges, featuring notable characters such as Maurice, a playwright, and Jeanne, his mistress, as they navigate the intricacies of love, ambition, and ethical dilemmas in the backdrop of Paris. At the start of the works, particularly in "There Are Crimes and Crimes," we meet Maurice and Jeanne as they wait in a cemetery, revealing the emotional tensions surrounding their relationship and the impending success or failure of Maurice's latest play. Their daughter, Marion, plays a significant role in the emotional landscape, highlighting parental responsibilities and the undercurrents of guilt that plague Maurice. The opening scenes set the stage for a deeper exploration of themes concerning the fragility of happiness, the weight of expectations, and the often harsh judgments of society that will unfold as the narrative progresses. As characters grapple with their destinies, they are drawn into a whirlwind of events entwined with existential themes and moral quandaries.