Summary of "Facing Death"
Full Summary
The one-act play "Facing Death" by August Strindberg centers on Monsieur Durand, a widower and former railroad employee struggling with financial ruin. To provide for his three daughters and secure their future, he rents out his house as a lodge and works tirelessly, but the family continues facing hardship. Durand sacrifices everything for his daughters despite their strained relationships and irresponsibility—his daughters Adele, Annette, and Therese are uneven in their support, with Adele helping in the kitchen but Annette and Therese being careless and frivolous.
The family’s financial crisis deepens as Durand faces unpaid bills and dwindling resources. His late son Rene is remembered with candles, symbolizing past loss that haunts the family. A paying guest, Antonio, becomes entangled in the family drama when Therese is caught flirting with him. Durand rejects Antonio’s money and presence due to mistrust, which causes conflict and disrespect from his daughters.
Ultimately, Durand’s perseverance and paternal love contrast with the selfishness and irresponsibility around him. The play portrays the realities of poverty, familial strife, and sacrifice. Durand’s actions reflect the burdens a parent bears to protect and provide for children, even in the face of despair and hopelessness.
"Facing Death" explores themes of family duty, financial hardship, moral sacrifice, and the enduring complexity of human relationships under pressure. It paints a poignant picture of a father’s love and the tragic consequences of societal and familial weaknesses.