Quest for Identity: A Study of Strindberg’s THE FATHER

I have been a great fan of August Strindberg and through this article I have made an attempt to explore and   examine the theme of ‘quest for Identity’ which is one of the major concerns in Strindberg’s Play “The Father”. In the process of examination of the play the  focus is on the protagonist, the captain who, struggles hard to establish his identity as a good father, a sincere husband and a hard working research scholar and above all a man with strong morals and convictions. His only Endeavour is to retain his male identity in fact; but every moment he feels that his identity is at stake. He is not prepared to surrender his male pride and power which receives frequent threats, actually an obstruction comes from his wife, the opposite sex. And the result is a clash of identities and power. The captain is forced to enter into conflicts, which result in misunderstanding and bitterness, loss of peace of mind and family happiness and marital harmony. His death brings an end to his struggles and efforts for assertion to his superiority and individuality. Ironically failure and tragedy become his ultimate destiny.