33 pages • 1 hour read
The Father
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Book Brief
104
Play • Fiction
Sweden • 1880s
1887
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Father by August Strindberg, set in a family home, centers on a bitter conflict between Captain Adolf, referred to as the Captain, and his wife Laura, over their daughter Bertha's future. The Captain wants Bertha to become a schoolteacher, while Laura wishes her to be a painter. The power struggle escalates, leading to growing tension and the Captain's eventual mental and emotional breakdown. Includes themes of mental illness and marital conflict.
Dark
Suspenseful
Challenging
Emotional
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
2,515 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews of August Strindberg's The Father highlight its intense psychological drama and complex character dynamics, drawing acclaim for its exploration of gender and power. Critics praise its stark realism and emotional depth. However, some find its themes outdated and dialogue cumbersome. Overall, it's recognized as a powerful, if occasionally polarizing, work in modern drama.
Who Should Read The Father?
Readers who appreciate intense psychological drama and familial conflict will enjoy August Strindberg’s The Father. Fans of Ibsen’s plays such as A Doll’s House and Tolstoy’s The Kreutzer Sonata will find Strindberg's exploration of gender roles and marital power struggles compelling. The play appeals to those intrigued by early modernist literature and its stark character portrayals.
2,515 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Laura
Laura
A strategic and tactical woman navigating a misogynistic society, often clashing with her husband over family matters. Her actions are driven by a desire to influence her family's future.
Bertha
Bertha
The young daughter who finds herself at the center of her parents' disputes, loved by both despite their conflicts. She is portrayed as an innocent figure amidst the surrounding turmoil.
Margret
Margret
A long-time family nurse with a compassionate and caring nature, providing support without taking sides. Her concern for the well-being of others, especially the Captain, is evident throughout her actions.
104
Play • Fiction
Sweden • 1880s
1887
Adult
18+ years
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