How does Strindberg use exaggerated barriers in social class to make meaning?

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In Miss Julie, August Strindberg depicts a tormented, sadomasochistic woman held captive by ingrained and inherent restrictions posed onto her by her aristocratic class. As she attempts to break free, her escapist tendencies cause various consequences to ensue, such as her eventual death. Other characters present also engage in the same escapist desires, especially present in Jean’s longing to advance his level in society. Such ideas end in disaster for any party involved. Strindberg manifests various character’s nonconformist ideas towards exaggerated barriers between social classes, such as those of Jean and Julie, to create themes on conformity and consequence. As the play opens, Miss Julie is immediately shown to intermingle between various social classes. Jean says that, “Miss Julie’s running wild again. She’s gone crazy!” (Strindberg 11) This shows Julie’s tendency to break the barriers of social class. As Jean says “again,” it implies that Julie has broken the barriers multiple times. Jean also states that “As soon as she [Julie] sets eyes on me she rushes over and asks to dance…” (Strindberg 12) This statement clearly depicts Julie’s eagerness and willingness to cross the restrictions put on her. Jean’s surprise at Julie’s actions also shows Julie’s actions are very uncouth in regard to societal expectations. Such expectations are also seen when Kristine says “She [Diana] sneaked out with the gamekeeper’s mutt and got knocked up. Miss Julie just won’t have it!” (Strindberg 14) The dog, Diana, symbolizes Julie, as a person as well as her desires to defect from societal barriers. The dog coupled with a mongrel dog, much as her mistress doesn’t care about the class of others. Yet, this comes off as very hypocritical as Miss ... ... middle of paper ... ...re are ingrained class barriers, that when crossed, have dire consequences. This theme is developed throughout the play and is clearly shown through Jean and Julie’s actions. Julie and Jean are in their distinct social classes, which they attempt to stay in. However, through Julie’s relationship with Jean, she jumps down social classes and breaks the class barrier. Because of this jump, Julie is mentally unable to cope with the ridicule and torment that she must face. She states that “I’m [Julie] worthless. But help me! If you see any way out at all, help me, Jean, please!” This make it clear that Julie is desperately looking for something to make up for crossing the class barrier, showing that she can not handle the physical and mental consequences of her actions. Such inability to cope eventually leads Julie to commit suicide—the final consequence for her actions.

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