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Strindberg, August, 1849-1912 -- Translations into English Books
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August Strindberg
Plays by August Strindberg, First Series
"Plays by August Strindberg, First Series" by August Strindberg is a collection of theatrical works written in the late 19th century. This volume features three significant plays: "The Dream Play," "The Link," and "The Dance of Death," demonstrating Strindberg's exploration of themes such as love, existential despair, and the complexities of human relationships. The characters often reflect Strindberg’s own struggles with identity and societal norms, making for a deeply introspective and dramatic experience. The opening portion introduces "The Dream Play," establishing a surreal and dreamy atmosphere as it portrays the celestial daughter of the god Indra on her descent to Earth to understand human experiences. The prologue hints at the disjointed yet seemingly logical nature of dreams, creating a narrative where time and space are fluid. As the daughter encounters characters below who are marked by both the beauty and anguish of existence, the dialogue suggests a deep inquiry into human suffering and joy. Thus, this initial segment sets the stage for a rich tapestry of human emotions explored throughout the play, highlighting Strindberg's distinct blend of realism and symbolism.
August Strindberg
Plays: the Father; Countess Julie; the Outlaw; the Stronger
"Plays: The Father; Countess Julie; The Outlaw; The Stronger" by August Strindberg is a collection of influential plays written during the late 19th century. The anthology highlights Strindberg's prowess in dramatic techniques, particularly showcasing the tumultuous dynamics of gender and power through complex relationships and moral conflicts. Each play delves into themes of identity, family ties, and societal expectations, with notable characters such as the Captain in "The Father," who grapples with fears regarding paternity and sanity. The beginning of "The Father" introduces us to the Captain, a troubled military figure engaged in conversations with his wife, Laura, and others about the welfare of their daughter, Bertha. The scene is marked by tensions stemming from Laura’s influence in their family dynamics and the Captain's struggles with doubt about his authority and familial role. As the Captain reveals his disdain for the overwhelming female presence in his home, the dialogue evolves into a deeper exploration of loyalty, truth, and the psychological pressures faced by both parents. The play sets a compelling stage for conflict and intrigue, suggesting a passionate examination of existential themes as the characters confront their personal demons and societal constraints.
August Strindberg
Plays by August Strindberg: Creditors. Pariah.
"Plays by August Strindberg: Creditors. Pariah." by August Strindberg is a collection of one-act plays written in 1888–1889. In "Pariah," two men trapped in a farmhouse during a storm engage in a psychological battle over guilt and atonement. Both harbor criminal pasts—one a murderer who escaped justice, the other a forger who served time. As their stories unfold, the tension escalates into a dangerous contest of wills, where mental prowess proves mightier than physical threat in this Darwinian struggle for survival.
August Strindberg
Plays: Comrades; Facing Death; Pariah; Easter
"Plays: Comrades; Facing Death; Pariah; Easter" by August Strindberg is a collection of four plays written during the late 19th century. The plays explore complex themes surrounding marriage, identity, and societal norms, particularly scrutinizing gender roles and relationships. Through witty dialogue and intricate character dynamics, the collection addresses the struggles of its main characters, often reflecting Strindberg's own views on feminism and the existential dilemmas of modern life. The opening of the collection introduces the play "Comrades," set in an artist's studio in Paris, featuring Axel, an artist, and his wife Bertha, also an artist, along with their friends Abel and Willmer. The scene opens with a conversation that hints at marital tension and underscores the theme of competition between genders as Bertha expresses the desire to be seen as Axel's equal. As they navigate discussions about artistic ambitions, social expectations, and personal insecurities, the interaction sheds light on the evolving roles of men and women in a changing society. The dialogue foreshadows deeper conflicts regarding ambition, companionship, and the dynamic between independence and dependence within their marriage.
August Strindberg
In Midsummer Days, and Other Tales
"In Midsummer Days, and Other Tales" by August Strindberg is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The tales explore themes of life, love, and human nature, presenting various characters in richly drawn settings that reflect on their circumstances and emotions. The opening narrative introduces a ninety-year-old grandmother, which sets the stage for a contemplative exploration of life’s fleeting moments and the intersection of reality and imagination. The beginning of the collection paints a vivid scene on Midsummer Eve, where the elderly grandmother observes the beauty of nature outside her window through mystical, colored panes that shape her perception of the world. As she reminisces about her life and the transformations of her surroundings, other characters emerge, such as a farmer and his brother, who are embroiled in their daily struggles, and a young mother working with her daughter amid their own challenges. This opening effectively establishes a tone of nostalgia and the intertwining of mundane life with deeper philosophical reflections on happiness and fulfillment, mirroring the complexities of existence that Strindberg is known for conveying throughout his works.
August Strindberg
Plays by August Strindberg, Second series
"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.
August Strindberg
Plays by August Strindberg, Third Series
"Plays by August Strindberg, Third Series" by August Strindberg is a collection of theatrical works written in the early 20th century. This volume features a variety of plays that showcase Strindberg's evolution as a playwright, moving from naturalistic themes to explorations of mysticism and symbolism. The collection contains notable works such as "Swanwhite," a fairy tale-like narrative centered on themes of love, innocence, and the complex relationships between characters, particularly focusing on Swanwhite, her stepmother, and a prince. At the start of "Swanwhite," we are introduced to an enchanted world where tension brews between Swanwhite, her tyrannical stepmother, and noble figures like the Duke and the Prince. The Stepmother wields power and intimidation, particularly over Swanwhite, who is caught in the struggle between obedience and her yearning for freedom and love. As the curtain rises, we witness interactions filled with dramatic undertones, setting the stage for Swanwhite's eventual pursuit of love and her dreamlike escapade with the Prince. The dialogue reveals layered dynamics and hints of fantastical elements, immersing readers in a whimsical yet tumultuous narrative from the very beginning.
August Strindberg
Plays by August Strindberg, Fourth Series
"Plays by August Strindberg, Fourth Series" by August Strindberg is a collection of dramatic works written in the late 19th century. The series includes several plays, prominently featuring themes of love, conflict, and societal norms, such as "The Bridal Crown." The characters often grapple with issues of familial duty, personal desire, and cultural traditions, creating a vivid portrait of Swedish life during this period. The opening portion of "The Bridal Crown" sets the stage in the pastoral landscape of Dalecarlia, capturing the essence of rural Swedish life rich in folklore and tradition. We are introduced to Kersti, a young woman preparing for her marriage to Mats as they navigate complex family dynamics and societal expectations. The dialogue reveals their hopes and fears, particularly regarding the significance of wearing a crown at their wedding, which symbolizes honor and virtue in their community. This evocative beginning hints at underlying tensions, especially concerning family rivalries and the secrets they bear, laying the groundwork for a compelling exploration of relationships and identity.
August Strindberg
The German Lieutenant, and Other Stories
"The German Lieutenant and Other Stories" by August Strindberg is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The opening story, titled "The German Lieutenant," focuses on Lieut. Von Bleichroden, a Prussian officer during the Franco-Prussian War, who wrestles with the moral complexities of warfare and the toll it takes on his conscience. The collection delves into themes of duty, individual morality versus societal expectations, and the psychological impact of war. At the start of the first story, readers are introduced to Von Bleichroden, who is stationed in a quaint café in France shortly after the Battle of Sedan. As he writes a letter to his wife expressing his homesickness and anxieties about impending warfare, his internal conflict becomes clear. He contemplates the brutal realities of guerra, including the execution of three captured French "franc-tireurs." The tension builds as he interacts with the local curé, who implores him to show mercy, forcing the lieutenant to confront the duality of his role as a soldier and a man struggling with the weight of his decisions. This opening sets the tone for the exploration of the psyche amidst the chaos of war throughout the collection.
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