The Dance of Death
The Dance of Death
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 2004
Book Brief
Beta128
Play • Fiction
Small island, Sweden • 1900s
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Dance of Death by August Strindberg is a play depicting the volatile marriage of an aging military captain and his wife. As they navigate their troubled relationship, a visiting family member becomes entangled in their conflicts, revealing deep-seated resentments and existential despair. The play explores themes of love, hatred, and the inevitability of death.
Dark
Unnerving
Melancholic
Suspenseful
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
757 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Dance of Death by August Strindberg is praised for its intense portrayal of a toxic marriage, lauded for its depth, psychological insight, and dark humor. Critics appreciate its claustrophobic atmosphere and complex characters. However, some find its bleakness overwhelming and the dialogue overly harsh. Overall, it remains a compelling exploration of human relationships.
Who Should Read The Dance of Death?
A reader who enjoys dark, psychological drama with complex, dysfunctional relationships, like in Ibsen's A Doll's House or Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, would appreciate Strindberg's The Dance of Death. It appeals to those fascinated by existential themes and intense character studies in domestic settings.
757 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
128
Play • Fiction
Small island, Sweden • 1900s
2004
Adult
18+ years
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