August Strindberg and scenic symbolism

Abstract

Although Strindberg claimed not to be a symbolist through much of his career, there are a number of symbols used in his plays. Strindberg's plot and characters have symbolic value, but they are used especially in the scenery - both environmental scenery and physical scenery. To explain - environmental scenery is general, such as a church or a park. It establishes the general playing space. Physical scenery is comprised of the things found in the general environment. It is more specific - such as an altar in the church, or a tree in the park. It includes scenery and props. Strindberg makes strong symbolic use of both environmental and physical scenery. To Damascus uses mostly environmental symbols. We see this right at the beginning, when we find the Stranger on a street corner, unsure of where to go. The curb represents a choice that he has to make about the direction in which he wants to take his life.