PLAY
2. Facing Death
by August Strindberg
SUMMARY
"Facing
Death" by Johan August Strindberg is a poignant play that delves into the
complexities of human relationships, sacrifices, and the harsh realities of
life. The main plot revolves around Monsieur Durand, a financially ruined
widower with three daughters – Adèle, Annette, and Thérèse – and his desperate
attempt to secure their futures even at the cost of his own life.
Monsieur
Durand's character is a central pillar of the narrative, portraying a father's
unwavering love for his children. Despite his dire financial situation, Durand
strives to provide for his daughters. His attempts to rent out his house as a
lodge for income are met with scorn, reflecting the indifference and cruelty of
society towards the less fortunate.
The
strained relationship between Durand and his daughters encapsulates the
family's turmoil. The daughters, especially Adèle and Annette, are portrayed as
carefree and frivolous, seemingly unconcerned about their father's struggles.
Their actions emphasize the disconnect between generations and the challenges
of understanding each other's burdens.
Strindberg
effectively uses Monsieur Durand's character to highlight the harsh social and
economic conditions of the time. The play touches on themes of poverty, debts,
and the desperate attempts to make ends meet. The strained interactions between
Durand and his daughters highlight the toll such circumstances can take on
familial bonds.
As
the story progresses, Durand's selflessness and love for his daughters come to
the forefront. He concocts a plan to ensure their financial security by
orchestrating his own death. This heart-wrenching decision underscores the
sacrifices parents are willing to make for their children's well-being, even in
the face of societal neglect and personal despair.
The
play's exploration of naturalism, a literary movement that seeks to depict life
as it is without idealization, is evident through its portrayal of the
struggles and suffering of the characters. Strindberg captures the essence of
European dramatic naturalism by bringing forth the harsh realities faced by
ordinary people and the sacrifices they make to navigate a callous society.
"Facing
Death" is a poignant exploration of human struggles, sacrifices, and the
enduring love of a father for his children. Through the character of Monsieur
Durand and his interactions with his daughters, the play illuminates the harsh
social, economic, and familial dynamics of the time. Strindberg masterfully depicts
the intricacies of relationships, the strains of poverty, and the lengths to
which a parent will go for the sake of their children's future. The play's
themes of naturalism make it a compelling reflection of life's complexities and
a mirror to societal indifference that resonates even today.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions:
a. Where does the play take place?
The
play unfolds within the dining room of Monsieur Durand's residence, a boarding
house. This setting serves as the backdrop for the story's events. Monsieur
Durand, a widowed ex-railroad worker, resides here alongside his three
daughters. The dining room becomes a microcosm of their lives, witnessing their
interactions, conflicts, and shared moments. This intimate locale holds
significance as it symbolizes the family's dynamic and the central stage for
their relationships to evolve. As the characters navigate their joys and
challenges within this confined space, the dining room becomes a reflection of
their emotions and the unfolding narrative, encapsulating the essence of the
play's themes.
b. Why do the grocery, the baker and the butcher
send their bills to the Durand household?
The
grocery, bakery, and butcher direct their bills to the Durand household due to
prolonged unpaid dues. This accumulation of unpaid bills has hindered the
Durand household's ability to settle their debts, prompting these suppliers to
take action. In response to the outstanding payments, these vendors withhold
further deliveries until the bills are settled. This cycle of unpaid bills
disrupts the household's access to essential goods and highlights the financial
strain faced by the Durand family. The bills serve as a representation of the
family's financial struggles, emphasizing the impact of their predicament on
their daily life and relationships.
c. Why does Monsieur Duran spend money on
candles when he doesn’t have money to buy even bread?
Monsieur
Durand allocates money for candles despite his financial constraints because he
intends to honor the memory of his deceased son, René, on his death
anniversary. The loss of his infant son has left a profound emotional impact,
and lighting candles serves as a gesture of remembrance and affection. However,
beneath this sentiment lies a more complex motive. Durand contemplates using a
fire incident to claim insurance money, which could potentially alleviate his
daughters' financial burdens. This dual motive showcases the depth of Durand's
emotions—both grief and desperation. The candles, symbolizing both
commemoration and a concealed plan, reveal the intricate layers of his
character and the intricate web of his motivations.
d. Why did Monsieur Duran sell his life insurance?
Monsieur
Durand made the difficult decision to sell his life insurance policy in order
to settle a debtor's loan that had plunged him into dire circumstances.
Struggling with financial misery, Durand faced mounting pressure from the angry
debtor due to his inability to meet the repayment obligations. Faced with the
urgency of the situation, he opted to liquidate his life insurance, sacrificing
a future safeguard to alleviate the immediate burden of debt. This act
highlights the extent of his desperation and the gravity of his financial
troubles. Durand's choice underscores the lengths people might go to in times
of crisis, revealing the complex interplay between financial strain, moral
dilemma, and the quest for survival.
e. Why has Monsieur Duran paid fire
insurance?
Monsieur
Durand has acquired fire insurance with a strategic motive: he plans to
initiate a deliberate fire at his residence to later claim compensation. His
objective is to secure financial assistance for his daughters who are grappling
with significant financial difficulties. By orchestrating a fire and
subsequently filing an insurance claim, Durand envisions using the compensation
as a means to alleviate his daughters' financial burdens. This calculated move,
while born out of desperation, underscores his determination to ensure a better
future for his family, even if it involves engaging in a risky and morally
complex endeavor. The fire insurance thus becomes a means to address his
daughters' needs and alleviate their ongoing financial struggles.
f. How did Monsieur Duran and Mrs. Duran run out
of their inheritances from both the sides?
Monsieur
Durand and Mrs. Durand depleted their inheritances from both sides due to a
combination of factors, primarily stemming from Mrs. Durand's imprudent
decisions and speculative actions. Their financial downfall was precipitated by
Mrs. Durand's lack of financial caution and risky investments. Consequently,
they lost both their paternal and maternal inheritances, which had initially
been intended to support the upbringing of their daughters. The erosion of
these resources underscores the consequences of ill-advised financial choices
and the subsequent impact on their family's stability. The narrative serves as
a cautionary tale about the importance of responsible financial management and
the potential ramifications of hasty and misguided financial endeavors.
g. Why does Monsieur Durand tell a lie about his
birthplace?
Monsieur
Durand fabricates a falsehood about his birthplace due to two distinct
motivations. Having fallen in love with a woman older than himself, he
relocates to Switzerland, aspiring to marry her. To preserve their reputation
and conceal the age difference, he alters his birthplace details. Furthermore,
he grapples with the shame of fighting against his own motherland, France,
while siding with Switzerland. To shield his honor and obscure this disloyalty,
he resorts to the lie. The intricate interplay of love, loyalty, and societal
expectations drives Durand to reshape his identity, exemplifying how personal
desires and the weight of past actions can lead to the distortion of truth for
the sake of acceptance and dignity.
h. What business is Monsieur Durand running to make a
living?
To
sustain himself, Monsieur Durand manages a boarding house, a venture born out
of necessity. He transforms his residence into a lodging facility, capitalizing
on the provision of accommodations and dining services to guests. This
conversion enables him to generate income by offering a homestay-like
experience. By operating this boarding house, Durand maximizes the utility of
his property, catering to travelers and visitors seeking a place to stay. The
enterprise underscores his adaptability and resourcefulness in navigating
financial challenges, as he leverages the assets at his disposal to create a
sustainable source of revenue. Through this business, Durand's character
emerges as a testament to the ways individuals creatively adapt to their
circumstances to ensure their livelihoods.
i. What plan does Monsieur Durand have to help his daughters
with money?
Monsieur
Durand devises a drastic scheme to aid his daughters financially. He
contemplates both suicide and deliberately setting his home ablaze, aiming to
exploit the fire insurance policy for compensation. This desperate plan
originates from his deep love for his daughters and the urgency to secure their
future in the face of overwhelming financial strain. By sacrificing his own
life and manipulating the insurance system, Durand envisions a way to provide
them with the financial support they desperately require. This complex and
heart-wrenching strategy speaks to his profound dedication as a father, even if
it entails making morally complicated choices to alleviate his daughters'
burdens in a world marked by adversity.
j. How does Monsieur Durand die?
In
the culmination of his desperate plan, Monsieur Durand meets his tragic end
through suicide. Consumed by the fervent desire to secure a future for his
daughters, he ingests poison, ultimately succumbing to its effects. This final
act is an agonizing reflection of his profound love for his daughters and his
willingness to make an ultimate sacrifice to alleviate their financial
hardships. Durand's death, driven by the intersection of love, despair, and the
pursuit of providing for his family, underscores the profound lengths to which
individuals may go when faced with insurmountable challenges. It also serves as
a poignant reminder of the complexities of human emotions and the sacrifices
made in the name of familial devotion.
Reference to the context
a. Sketch the character of Monsieur Durand.
Monsieur
Durand, the central figure in "Facing Death," embodies a complex
blend of resilience and tragedy. A widowed lodge owner and former railway worker,
he grapples with financial ruin while sheltering his three estranged daughters.
Despite their animosity, Durand showcases profound love, care, and a protective
nature. Stricken by bankruptcy, he perseveres amid adversity, his daughters'
scorn notwithstanding. His endurance echoes in his patient demeanor as he
silently accepts past injustices from his late wife, shouldering blame for
their financial downfall. Durand's patriotism for France endures even in Swiss
exile, underscoring his resilient spirit. Tragically, this multifaceted
character succumbs to his circumstances, sacrificing himself in a heartrending
act of suicide, an embodiment of both a devoted father's sacrifice and a symbol
of the tragic struggles in his life.
b. How do we know that the Durand family has reached a dead end?
The
Durand family's grim situation, marking a dead end, is vividly evident within
their lodge. Beset by bankruptcy, the family's economic woes are palpable. The
loss of their inheritances during Mrs. Durand's lifetime has rendered them
destitute. Their former residence now functions as a lodge to eke out a living.
Consistently borrowing money, their existence is overshadowed by mounting bills
owed to creditors. Mr. Durand, in particular, bears the brunt of their dire
circumstances, leading a resilient yet strained existence. His strained
relationships with his resentful daughters exacerbate their distress. The
poignant imagery of Durand resorting to eating rat poison due to hunger
underscores their desperation. Faced with a seemingly inescapable financial
crisis, Durand's tragic plan to sacrifice himself and their abode for his
daughters' betterment epitomizes the family's profound desperation and the
undeniable realization of their dead-end situation.
c. ‘The mother, though already dead, seems to have had a great
influence on the daughters, especially Theresa.’ Do you agree?
Absolutely,
I concur with the notion that the mother's influence has deeply impacted her
daughters, with Theresa particularly affected. The mother's existence wielded a
potent sway over her offspring, notably Theresa. During her lifetime, she
actively nurtured resentment towards their father, Durand, shaping their
perceptions and loyalties. Her manipulation compelled them to align with her
and harbor negative sentiments towards their father. Mr. Durand, choosing to
preserve their mother's memory, endured unjust accusations in silence,
attributing their financial collapse to her actions. This posthumous loyalty to
their mother perpetuated the daughters' disdain for their father. Among them,
Theresa stands out as the most strongly influenced, exhibiting hostility and
disrespectful behavior. She embodies her mother's teachings, displaying
resentment through her actions, such as thwarting her father's attempts to
enjoy simple pleasures. In essence, the mother's shadow looms large over
Theresa, leaving an indelible mark on her attitude and actions.
d. Discuss the relationship between Monsieur
Duran and his wife.
The
relationship between Monsieur Durand and his wife was marred by discord and
resentment. Mrs. Durand's actions and choices compounded their issues. Her
financial mismanagement and impulsive decisions led to the ruin of their
ancestral property, despite which she unjustly blamed Mr. Durand. Her
recklessness extended to gambling with household funds, worsening their
financial woes. Reports of verbal abuse and her shocking threat to engage in
prostitution for money indicate the depth of their conflict. Amidst this
turmoil, Mr. Durand referred to her as a "lone soldier," possibly
highlighting her isolation within their relationship. She wielded a toxic
influence on their daughters, indoctrinating them with hostility towards their
father. Thus, her behavior and choices cast a long shadow over their marriage,
marked by resentment, financial ruin, and a profound negative impact on their
family dynamics.
e. ‘Money determines the relationship between characters in this
play.’ Elaborate this statement with examples from the play.
In
"Facing Death," the pivotal role of money in shaping character
relationships is evident. Money serves as the catalyst for all conflicts within
the narrative. The Durand family's economic struggles permeate their lives,
leaving them destitute and deprived of essentials. Hunger-induced agony
underscores their desperation, with Mr. Durand enduring starvation and even
resorting to eating rat poison. The deterioration of the Durands' marriage is a
direct result of their financial decline. Their daughters' disdain for their
father stems from his inability to provide, compelling them to transform their
home into a lodge. This economic strife is the backdrop for the daughters'
resentment and rudeness towards their father. Their behavior oscillates with
the promise of money, demonstrating how financial status dictates their
attitudes. The daughters' transient displays of kindness when money is
mentioned highlight the influence of finances on their perception of their
father. The intricate interplay between money and relationships underscores the
central theme of economic hardship in the characters' lives.
f. Monsieur Durand kills himself so that his daughters would get
5000 francs as compensation from the insurance company. What does his plan tell
us about him?
In
"Facing Death," Monsieur Durand's poignant plan to take his own life
and set fire to his home for insurance compensation underscores his deep care
and love for his daughters. Despite being perceived as a failed and
irresponsible father due to financial hardships, his self-sacrificing act
reveals his unwavering devotion to securing his daughters' future. Stricken by
poverty and enduring their resentment, Durand's choice to resort to such
drastic measures highlights his desperation to provide a better life for his
children. His plan speaks volumes about his character - a resilient and devoted
father who, in the face of dire circumstances, is willing to make the ultimate
sacrifice to ensure his daughters' well-being, ultimately portraying him as a
tragic figure tragically driven by love and responsibility.
g. Discuss Facing Death as a modern tragedy.
"Facing
Death" aptly embodies the attributes of a modern tragedy, adhering to the
conventions of tragic events and a sorrowful conclusion. It exemplifies realism
and naturalism, hallmark features of modern drama. The play aligns with the
modern tragedy framework by portraying a common man, Mr. Durand, grappling with
relatable challenges and suffering a tragic fate. Its thematic focus on
contemporary issues such as familial discord, societal complexities, and
economic hardships resonates with the struggles of the modern individual. The
characters are products of their socio-cultural environment, reflecting the
modern tragedy's exploration of external influences on human destinies. Ultimately,
the play culminates in a tragic downfall as Mr. Durand takes his own life to
secure his daughters' future. This amalgamation of realistic representation and
poignant downfall underscores "Facing Death" as a quintessential
modern tragedy.
Reference beyond the text
a. Write a few paragraphs describing the role of the father in
the family.
In
Nepal, a country steeped in patriarchal norms, fathers occupy pivotal roles
within families, often assuming the mantle of authority and leadership. In the
traditional Nepali family structure, the father holds a preeminent position,
making decisions that impact the entire household.
As
the family's linchpin, a Nepali father shoulders the responsibility of caring
for his loved ones. Primarily seen as the provider, he takes on the role of
breadwinner, ensuring his family's financial stability and safeguarding their
well-being. This financial provision extends beyond the immediate family,
encompassing extended relatives as well, further reinforcing his influence.
The
role of a father in Nepal transcends economic contributions. He serves as an
ethical compass, imparting moral values and guiding principles to his family
members. Fathers in Nepali households are often seen as the guardians of
righteousness, imparting wisdom and shaping the character of their children
through their own conduct.
A
father's influence extends to the emotional realm, significantly impacting his
children's emotional well-being. He fosters a sense of security within the
family unit, providing both physical and emotional shelter. This stable
foundation allows children to navigate the world with greater confidence and
resilience.
Education
is another domain in which fathers wield their influence. While mothers
typically nurture educational pursuits, fathers play a supportive role by
instilling discipline, motivating academic achievement, and offering counsel.
This collaborative approach ensures a balanced educational upbringing.
Moreover,
fathers are custodians of cultural heritage. They pass down traditions,
rituals, and ancestral wisdom to the next generation, fostering a sense of
continuity and identity within the family. By doing so, fathers maintain the
cultural fabric that binds the family together.
Ultimately,
a Nepali father's role extends beyond mere authority; he shapes the family's
dynamics, fosters emotional well-being, and nurtures cultural connections. In
the tapestry of a Nepali family, the father's thread weaves a foundation of
strength, guidance, and continuity.
b. In his famous essay “The Experimental Novel,” Emile Zola
says:
This is what constitutes the experimental novel: to
possess a knowledge of the mechanism of the phenomena inherent in man, to show
the machinery of his intellectual and sensory manifestations, under the
influences of heredity and environment, such as physiology shall give them to
us, and then finally to exhibit man living in social conditions produced by
himself, which he modifies daily, and in the heart of which he himself
experiences a continual transformation. (21)
To
what extent do you agree with Zola’s idea that human beings’ intellectual as
well as emotional capacities are determined by their environment and heredity?
Discuss with examples including Facing Death.
Emile
Zola's assertion in his essay "The Experimental Novel" about the
influence of environment and heredity on human intellectual and emotional
capacities holds significant weight. Zola argues that an experimental novel
should delve into the intricate workings of human phenomena, showcasing the
interplay of biology, environment, and societal conditions. While this
perspective highlights the powerful impact of nature and nurture, the extent to
which these factors determine human behavior remains a subject of ongoing
debate.
In
the play "Facing Death," the characters' actions and attitudes
reflect Zola's notion of environmental and hereditary influences. Monsieur
Durand's financial struggles and his daughters' strained relationships with him
can be traced back to their socio-economic environment. Durand's economic
downfall, driven by factors beyond his control, shapes his daughters'
perception of him as a failed provider, in line with Zola's concept of social
conditions.
Furthermore,
Zola's emphasis on heredity finds resonance in the daughters' animosity towards
their father. The legacy of their mother's resentment towards Durand has been
inherited and ingrained in their psyche. This hereditary element influences
their emotions and behavior, exemplifying the interplay of genetics and
familial dynamics.
However,
while Zola's ideas offer valuable insights, they might oversimplify the
complexity of human behavior. While environment and heredity undoubtedly play
significant roles, human agency and personal choices can also shape outcomes.
In "Facing Death," although the daughters have inherited their
mother's resentment, their individual responses to their circumstances vary.
This variability suggests that while influences exist, humans possess the
capacity to deviate from these influences through conscious decisions.
Zola's
perspective in "The Experimental Novel" underscores the intricate
interplay between environment, heredity, and human behavior, as illustrated by
the characters in "Facing Death." While these factors undoubtedly exert
influence, the nuanced nature of human agency should not be overlooked. The
characters' diverse responses to their circumstances highlight the intricate
web of factors that contribute to their actions and emotions, underscoring the
complexity of human behavior.
Best of Luck
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