great works ii – 2850 jta 12:25-2:05: love letters from the world

Julie’s character in the play “Miss Julie” is described by Strindberg as a “half man half woman” who fares better than other women, but not as well as men which causes her to be left out. “I can find no rest or peace… Have you ever felt like that?” This quote refers to her feeling of being on a pedestal in relation to Jean however may be referring to her feeling of uneasiness due to her alienation in gender which gradually builds and causes her to act sporadically in the play. “And it is due to my father’s training that I have learned to scorn my own sex” This quote aligns with Steinberg’s interpretation of her character as someone who has a stunted growth, her influence by man accelerated her growth yet leaves her more aware of the status of women at this time who are behind men in her eyes. Julie is a “ half woman half man” as Steinberg describes who’s self awareness leaves her conflicted and hopeless in “Miss Julie.”