August Strindberg

Date of Birth: January 22, 1849

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: May 14, 1912

Biography

Johan August Strindberg was a renowned Swedish playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, and painter, known for his prolific and often controversial works that spanned more than four decades. Born in Stockholm, Strindberg is often considered one of the most important figures in Swedish literature and theater. His work is marked by its radical innovations in the field of drama, including naturalism and expressionism. Strindberg’s early life was fraught with hardship. His father, Carl Oscar Strindberg, was a shipping agent, and his mother, Ulrika Eleonora Norling, was a maid. The financial difficulties faced by his family deeply influenced his worldview and later works. Strindberg first achieved fame with his novel “The Red Room” (1879), which offered a scathing satire of Stockholm society. His plays, such as “Miss Julie” (1888) and “The Father” (1887), are celebrated for their complex characterization and psychological depth. Strindberg’s work often explored themes of power struggles, gender roles, and existential angst. He was a pioneer in the development of modern European drama and had a significant influence on later playwrights, including Henrik Ibsen and Anton Chekhov. Aside from his literary accomplishments, Strindberg led a tumultuous personal life, marked by multiple marriages, financial troubles, and mental health issues. Despite these challenges, he remained a prolific writer until his death in 1912.

5 Interesting Facts about August Strindberg

1. Strindberg’s play “Miss Julie” is considered a landmark in the development of naturalistic drama.

2. He was not only a writer but also a painter, and his art is known for its expressionistic style.

3. Strindberg was a polymath, with interests ranging from chemistry to the occult.

4. He spent a significant portion of his life in self-imposed exile, living in countries like France, Switzerland, and Germany.

5. Strindberg’s work “Inferno” is a semi-autobiographical novel that delves into his mental breakdown and subsequent spiritual crisis.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from August Strindberg

1. “I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven’t got the guts to bite people themselves.”

2. “Life is not so bad if you have plenty of luck, a good physique, and not too much imagination.”

3. “There are poisons that blind you, and poisons that open your eyes.”

4. “People burn books to avoid the truth.”

5. “The theater is a weapon, and it is the people who should wield it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

August Strindberg never achieved significant financial prosperity. At the time of his death, he was relatively poor, despite his considerable influence and fame.

Children

August Strindberg had three children: 1. Karin Smirnov (1880-1973): Karin was Strindberg’s first daughter with his first wife, Siri von Essen. She went on to become a writer herself. 2. Greta Strindberg (1881-1912): Greta was Strindberg’s second daughter from his first marriage. She died shortly after her father. 3. Hans Strindberg (1884-1917): Hans was the only son from Strindberg’s first marriage. He lived a relatively private life.