Plays by August Strindberg, Second series
Written by August Strindberg
Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free
About this book
Read it with a club
Chaptra's poetry and plays clubs — small groups reading the same books and talking as they go.
Shakespeare Out Loud
Poetry and plays
- 4 members
- 4 discussions
- Active Sep 11
Plays are scripts, not novels. We read them aloud, in parts, and it changes everything. This is a Chaptra house club — set up and moderated by us to get the conversation going. Open to everyone; jump in anywhere.
Read Plays by August Strindberg, Second series alongside people who are reading it too.
Chaptra Prime — paid clubs, every club feature, and unlimited reading support, for $5 a month or $60 once.
See PrimeReading guide
Themes, characters and key ideas in Plays by August Strindberg, Second series, written by Chaptra AI.
- about 8 hours
- advanced
- dark
- intense
- psychological
August Strindberg's "Plays, Second Series" delves into the intricate psychological landscapes and moral dilemmas of late 19th-century society, exemplified by "There Are Crimes and Crimes." The collection explores themes of ambition, guilt, societal judgment, and the fragile nature of happiness through intense character studies. Set against the backdrop of Paris, the plays, particularly the featured drama, present characters like Maurice, a playwright, and his mistress Jeanne, grappling with the consequences of their choices and the profound impact of their actions on their daughter, Marion. Strindberg masterfully uses dramatic tension and raw emotion to expose the undercurrents of human depravity and the often-harsh realities of ethical compromise. The series solidifies Strindberg's reputation as a pioneer of modern psychological drama, dissecting the human condition with unflinching honesty and existential depth.
“"There are crimes and crimes, but the greatest crime is to escape judgment, even from oneself."”
Key themes
- Morality and Guilt
- This theme is central to "There Are Crimes and Crimes," exploring the complex nature of wrongdoing beyond legal definitions. Strindberg delves into how internal guilt and the perception of a 'moral crime' can be as devastating, if not more so, than an actual criminal act. Maurice's torment stems from his perceived culpability for Marion's death, even without direct action.
- Ambition vs. Ethics
- The play vividly portrays the struggle between personal ambition, particularly artistic ambition, and ethical responsibility. Maurice's pursuit of success leads him to neglect his family and engage in an illicit affair, suggesting a Faustian bargain where success comes at a profound moral cost.
- The Fragility of Happiness
- Strindberg frequently explores how fleeting and precarious happiness can be, especially when built on morally dubious foundations. Maurice's moment of triumph and perceived happiness is almost immediately shattered by tragedy and guilt, illustrating how external success does not guarantee internal peace.
Worth discussing
How does Strindberg define 'crime' in "There Are Crimes and Crimes" beyond legal transgression?
Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.
Discussions
No one has started one yet
Questions this book opens up
No discussions yet
Be the first to start a discussion about this book!
Sign up to start the discussionReviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to review this book!