August Strindberg
August Strindberg: A Life of Turmoil and Genius
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#### Full Name and Common Aliases
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August Norbert Strindberg was born on January 22, 1849, in Stockholm, Sweden. He is commonly known by his full name or as "Strind."
#### Birth and Death Dates
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January 22, 1849 – May 14, 1912
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Strindberg was a Swedish playwright, novelist, poet, and painter. His work spanned multiple genres, from naturalism to expressionism, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in modern theatre.
Early Life and Background
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Strindberg's early life was marked by turmoil. His father abandoned his family when August was just a few years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his younger brother alone. Despite these difficulties, Strindberg's natural talent and curiosity led him to pursue an education at the University of Uppsala, where he studied literature, philosophy, and chemistry.
Strindberg's early writing career began in 1867 with a series of articles for the Swedish newspaper Nya Pressen. He continued to write prolifically throughout his life, publishing numerous novels, plays, and poetry collections.
Major Accomplishments
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Strindberg is best known for his naturalist play Miss Julie, which premiered in 1888.
His novel The Red Room (1879) is a semi-autobiographical account of his time as a student at the University of Uppsala.
As a painter, Strindberg was part of the Swedish Impressionist movement and exhibited his work at several shows in Paris.Notable Works or Actions
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Strindberg's most famous works include:
Miss Julie: A naturalist play that explores themes of class, power, and desire.
The Father: A play that tells the story of a man who returns home after years away to find his wife remarried.
The Red Room: A novel that blends elements of realism and fantasy.
Impact and Legacy
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Strindberg's influence on modern theatre cannot be overstated. His innovative use of naturalism, expressionism, and other techniques paved the way for a new generation of playwrights. His work continues to be performed and studied around the world today.
In addition to his contributions to theatre, Strindberg was also an important figure in the development of Swedish literature. He was one of the first writers to explore the themes of social inequality and personal struggle that would become hallmarks of modernist literature.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Strindberg's quotes are widely used today because they offer insights into his complex and often contradictory personality. His writing is characterized by its intense emotional power, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to social justice. Some of his most famous quotes include:
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
"I am a man of the theatre, and I will always be one."
These quotes, like many others from Strindberg's work, demonstrate why he remains an important figure in literature and theatre today. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers, artists, and thinkers.
Quotes by August Strindberg
That is the thankless position of the father in the family - the provider for all, and the enemy of all.
Now you have fulfilled your function as an unfortunately necessary father and breadwinner, you are not needed any longer and you must go.
People who keep dogs are cowards who haven’t got the guts to bite people themselves.
God preserve us from writers who regurgitate what they have learnt from books! It is people’s secrets we want to know – it is the natural history of the human heart that we have been trying to put down for a thousand years and everyone must and can leave their contribution.
It’s wonderful how, the moment you talk about God and love, your voice becomes hard, and your eyes fill with hatred. No, Margret, you certainly haven’t the true faith.
Because in the midst of happiness there is always a seed of unhappiness; it consumes itself like fire – it can’t burn forever, sooner or later it must die; and this presentiment of the end destroys my happiness when it is at is height.