Take note of the opening stage directions. What seems important? Why do you think Strindberg gave such detailed descriptions?

In what ways do Julie and Jean conform to, or break with, expectations about the roles of their social class? About their gender?

What would you identify as the turning point in the play? How do you know?

Trace all of the references to animals. How are these significant?

Note the attention paid to parents and ancestry. What importance do the descriptions of characters’ parents hold?

What impact does the Count have on the various characters?