A Dream Play
A Dream Play
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1901
Book Brief
64
Play • Fiction
Sweden • Early 20th century
1901
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Dream Play by August Strindberg is an expressionist play focusing on Agnes, the daughter of the Vedic god Indra, who descends to Earth to experience human suffering and the contradictions of human existence. She interacts with various characters symbolizing different human conditions and ultimately learns that compassion is essential when considering humanity. The play includes themes of human unhappiness, the meaning of life, materialism, class struggle, and spiritual longing.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Fantastical
Emotional
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
3,022 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A Dream Play by August Strindberg masterfully blends poignant surrealism with existential themes, eliciting praise for its innovative narrative and emotional depth. However, its abstract structure and complex symbolism can alienate some readers, making the play challenging to digest. Overall, it remains a revered, though divisive, piece in literary and theatrical circles.
Who Should Read A Dream Play?
Readers who appreciate the abstract and symbolic nature of Henrik Ibsen's Peer Gynt or the dream-like narratives of Franz Kafka's The Trial will be drawn to August Strindberg's A Dream Play. This avant-garde drama, with its surreal depictions and exploration of human suffering, captivates those interested in existential and modernist literature.
3,022 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
64
Play • Fiction
Sweden • Early 20th century
1901
Adult
18+ years
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