Facing Death By August Stringberg NEB class 12 Compulsory English

 

Facing Death

                    By August Strindberg

Main Characters:

1. Durand – The father and protagonist. A complex figure torn between love for his daughters and the harshness of his circumstances.
2. Adèle, Annette, and Thérèse – Durand’s three daughters. Each has her own personality and relationship with their father, but all depend on him.
3. The Doctor – A secondary character who interacts with Durand and his family, symbolizing rationality and external judgment.

Facing Death is a one-act play written by August Strindberg in 1897. It explores themes of sacrifice, family duty, and existential struggle

Summary:

Facing Death by August Strindberg is a one-act play that delves into the life of Monsieur Durand, a widower struggling to provide for his three daughters—Adèle, Annette, and Thérèse. Once a successful railroad worker, Durand's fortunes have declined, and the family now faces extreme poverty. Durand is tormented by the inability to secure his daughters' futures, as debts mount and creditors close in. His daughters, though fond of him, are frustrated by his stern and distant demeanor.

As the play unfolds, Durand's inner turmoil becomes more apparent. He contemplates drastic measures to ensure his daughters' financial stability. The tension escalates when Durand hints at his plan to set fire to their home to collect insurance money. His desperation grows as he sees no other way to shield his family from destitution. Durand's relationship with his daughters is fraught with misunderstandings, but his sacrifices stem from deep paternal love, even if unrecognized by them.

In the climax, Durand follows through with his plan, ultimately sacrificing his life. The fire claims him, leaving his daughters with the means to survive. Durand’s death is both tragic and redemptive, portraying the lengths to which a parent will go to protect their children. Through Durand’s actions, Strindberg explores themes of sacrifice, family duty, and the existential weight of love and despair. The play’s raw and somber tone reflects Strindberg’s naturalistic approach, highlighting the harsh realities of life and the complexities of human relationships.

 

 

 

In Brief

The play revolves around Durand, an impoverished former railroad worker and widower who is the father of three daughters. The family is in dire financial straits, and Durand struggles to provide for them. As the play progresses, it becomes clear that Durand is prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of his daughters.

Durand is tormented by his failures in life and his inability to secure his daughters' futures. In a desperate attempt to solve their financial troubles, he considers setting fire to his own house so that his daughters can claim the insurance money. Ultimately, he follows through with his plan, sacrificing himself in the process.

Themes:

1.      Sacrifice and Redemption: Durand’s willingness to give his life for his daughters highlights the theme of self-sacrifice.

2.      Family Duty and Love: Durand's deep but complicated love for his daughters drives the narrative.

3.      Existential Despair: Durand’s internal struggle reflects existential ideas of purpose, suffering, and the search for meaning.

4.      Poverty and Desperation: The play critiques social conditions and the desperation faced by those living in poverty.

5.      Fatalism: Durand’s acceptance of his grim fate touches on fatalistic views of life and death.