Moving Beyond Naturalism: Using a Discussion of Miss Julie to Educate Students About Date Rape—and More

by Davida Bloom

August Strindberg's play Miss Julie is one of the most anthologized and studied plays in the traditional canon of dramatic literature. In most anthologies, and one can assume in most syllabi, it appears at the start of the modern era, often discussed in terms of the ways in which this play represents naturalism and the advent of modern drama. Consequently, Miss Julie is a play that many theatre history/literature teachers will discuss with their students. I have found that this play presents a unique opportunity to bring up the topic of date rape, while still covering traditional course content. The play takes place on mid-summer's eve in the servants' kitchen/living area on the estate of a Count. Late that night, after festive celebrations, the Count's daughter, Julie, has a sexual encounter with the Count's valet, Jean. Despite the fact that the term and concept of date rape was not in the public consciousness in Sweden in 1888 when Strindberg wrote Miss Julie, it is my belief that this interpretation should be presented as a possibility when examining and discussing the sexual act that takes place between Jean and Julie.