In the one-act play The Stronger by August Strindberg, two women, Mrs. X and Miss Y, encounter each other in a café on Christmas Eve. The play unfolds through a one-sided conversation as Mrs. X speaks, revealing personal feelings and conflicts, while Miss Y remains silent throughout, highlighting themes of power and emotional strength.

Mysterious

Emotional

Contemplative

Unnerving

Dark

Reviews & Readership

3.5

500 ratings

51%

Loved it

35%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Review Roundup

The Stronger by August Strindberg presents an intense exploration of female rivalry and psychological depth. Praise centers on its innovative monologue format and emotional intensity. Some critics note a lack of character development due to the play's brevity. Overall, it's viewed as a compelling study of interpersonal dynamics with a unique theatrical approach.

Who Should Read The Stronger?

A reader intrigued by psychological drama and character studies, akin to those in Ibsen's A Doll's House, would enjoy Strindberg’s The Stronger. Appreciators of minimalist settings and subtext-driven narratives, like in Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, are likely to find it compelling.

3.5

500 ratings

51%

Loved it

35%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Stronger is a one-act play written by Swedish playwright August Strindberg, which features only two characters, with one character speaking throughout the performance while the other remains silent.

Unique to Strindberg’s The Stronger is its format of a monologue-driven dialogue, which plays with themes of power dynamics and communication without requiring a traditional back-and-forth.

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Despite its brevity, often lasting only about fifteen minutes when performed, The Stronger is regarded as an influential piece in Strindberg's later works, showcasing his exploration of minimalist theatrical conventions.

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Book Details

Format

Play • Fiction

Genre

Classic Fiction

•

Dramatic Literature

•

Scandinavian Literature

Setting

A café, Stockholm • 1880s

Topic