To What Extent Does Miss Julie Pose as a Naturalistic Tragedy?

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August Strindberg was considered the father of naturalism throughout his career: exploring a wide range of dramatic methods, from monodrama to naturalistic tragedy. His work frequently reflected both the cultural and social environment around him, suggesting themes throughout ‘Miss Julie’ such as: adultery and class conflict, were inflicted by his own struggle between classes and his personal affair. ‘Miss Julie’ is a naturalistic tragedy, because Miss Julie suffers a downfall, suicide, resulting from the irresistible forces acting upon her. It can be argued that Strindberg, an atheist when he wrote Miss Julie, portrayed his own naturalistic views in the play; in fact ‘in many ways she is [Miss Julie] really one of Strindberg’s most revealing self-portraits. Throughout the play, Miss Julie’s fate can be associated with many aspects of her life ranging from the masculine influence in her life, to her degenerated brain; thus making her a frail woman. From the beginning of ‘Miss Julie’ it becomes apparent that there is a theme of blood and suicide ‘She’s wild again tonight. Miss Julie. Wild’. This could be regarded as a reference to her period, as Strindberg is portrayed as an anti-feminist; despite this, it is widely considered that ‘wild’ suggests she is untamed and not domesticated, illustrating her fate. The references to blood and suicide in the initial scene of the play, suggests to the reader that it is the most prominent theme within ‘Miss Julie’, later relating to the loss of Miss Julie’s virginity, as well as her dogs miscarriage, representing the differences between life and death. These events also lead to Miss Julie’s downfall. Her own fate could also rely on her preoccupation with animals, as Jean cuts the head off her birds head, additionally, her dog, Diana, gets impregnated by a mongrel,’ She’s been at it with that mongrel at the lodge, and now

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