Sneh PatelEssay 2 RevisionMay 20, 2014Strindberg, Ibsen and the New WomanThe modern breakthrough in Scandinavian literature, which occurred in the late 19th century, was a direct reaction to the romantic ideas of the 'idealism. and emotion were so strongly emphasized throughout the previous century. Characterized by the presentation of realism and naturalism, the movement questioned social issues, such as the struggle for equality and personal freedom. August Strindberg and Henrik Ibsen brought these ideas to the forefront of literature in “The Father” and “A Doll’s House.” Several of the plays' characters are on journeys to seek personal freedom, but the theme is perhaps most exemplified in the journeys of the main female character in both stories. Using the medium of their female protagonists (Laura and Nora, respectively), Strindberg and Ibsen diverge in their construction of the drive for personal freedom, where Laura represents a negative dismantling of the traditional family and Nora conversely represents the positive progressive catalyst of his impulse. for social equality and personal freedom. In "The Father", Strindberg emphasizes a very conservative pious position towards the traditional family. It attacks the "new woman", the so-called "third species" and their quest for freedom by constructing Laura as essentially a reaction to the years of oppression of women by an austere patriarchal society. Laura, unlike the traditional woman, is cunning and shrewd, a predator who acts on instinct as she tries to convince society that the captain is crazy and that she deserves custody. This quest for freedom is a challenge to man, as Laura is aggressive and uses psychological warfare to prove that she is not just...... middle of paper ......ive for freedom with the question of the rise of a new, modern woman. Ibsen assumes that today's woman is limited in her basic rights as a human being by the ideals of traditionalism and calls for a better society as she breaks her patriarchal chains and finds her equal place in her quest for freedom, without in no case harm or undermine. the masculine figure but on the contrary offering the potential for a more egalitarian society. Strindberg counters by having a negative view of the rise of women, using Laura's accomplice to show that society will tragically break down as man's power diminishes and women rule, creating a system built on a basis of lies and deception. Nonetheless, the two authors display radically opposing views on the quest for personal freedom and, ultimately, both envision a radically different society, whether for better or worse...