Every time I hold a theatrical work in my hands, I always start from the premise that simply reading the text necessarily implies the fact that something is lost. This is because the purpose of a theatrical text is and remains the staging, the interpretation on stage by the actors who, physically emerging from the script, completely give themselves to the public. This is to say that a theatrical work is not a novel, and this should always be kept in mind.
"Miss Julie" is a single act that opens the door to Naturalism in Swedish theater. In just a few lines, the author addresses important themes such as the relationship between the two sexes and the interaction between different social classes, and does so in a very cynical, direct, and brutal way. Now, granted that I found the introduction written by Strindberg himself more interesting than the text itself, I recognize that the work is courageous and, not by chance, was received skeptically, if not even negatively, at the time, but...
The point is that I have a problem with Strindberg. I do not question his abilities and creative inspiration, but from what I have read and studied, I have formed an idea of him as an extremely misogynistic, cynical, base, and unpleasant person. Forgive me, but even though I recognize his merit in being extremely clear in presenting his ideas, I cannot even half-share them. Anyway, it is a work that should be read, if only because it is considered a masterpiece of its kind by the entire criticism.
Many of the same themes seen in Strindberg's earlier play, The Father, are also present in Miss Julie, although I believe they have a greater impact in the former. Both plays are "naturalistic tragedies" that deal with social Darwinism and share the same socio-historical and mythical setting. It's easy to point out instances of the author's misogyny in both, and they both address gender issues. However, Miss Julie also delves into social class, albeit in a very social Darwinist way.
Miss Julie is about a member of the declining aristocracy who falls in love with a servant, Jean. Jean, despite his humble origins, aspires to rise in society and identify with the aristocracy. But both characters are constricted by the social classes they were born into, preventing them from being who they truly want to be. Julie wants to come down from her pedestal, while Jean wants to climb the social ladder.
When Julie and Jean find love (or perhaps lust), their intentions are in conflict. Julie wants to bring herself down to Jean's level, while Jean wants to rise up to hers. Their love is not meant to last, as Julie feels dirty and remorseful for tarnishing her reputation, and Jean realizes he may have idealized the lives of the upper class. The characters are torn psychologically and waver between different courses of action, ultimately leading to a tragic end.
Like The Father, Miss Julie takes place in the late 19th century and may be semi-autobiographical. It also has a mythic setting of Eden After the Fall. The play's greatest contribution may be Strindberg's attempt to free the theatre from its traditional constraints. In his preface, he proposes a more naturalistic style of theatre with fewer characters, more complex psychological subjects, no act divisions or intermissions, less artificial sets, more natural lighting, and more opportunities for artistic expression for the actors.
In conclusion, Miss Julie is a fine play with its strength lying in its style rather than its thematic substance. It's a play that's meant to be seen and experienced, and I may be interested in seeing the 2014 film version. Strindberg's work is often polarizing, provoking varied reactions from critics, as he tried to shake up the theatre and the moral foundations of his bourgeois audience.
It greatly reminds me of Stendhal in the novel "The Red and the Black."
Strindberg is extremely outstanding in depicting the power struggle among characters and portraying the failures and weaknesses of human beings.
Stendhal's works are known for their in-depth exploration of human nature and the complex relationships between individuals. In "The Red and the Black," he vividly展现s the ambitious Julien Sorel's journey in a society full of class distinctions and power games.
Similarly, Strindberg's plays also offer a profound insight into the human psyche. His characters are often complex and multi-faceted, with their own desires, fears, and weaknesses.
Both Stendhal and Strindberg use their literary works to揭示 the true nature of human beings and the残酷realities of society.
By reading their works, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.