In “Facing Death,” a compelling one-act play by August Strindberg, we delve into the life of Monsieur Durand, a devoted father and widower grappling with financial ruin. A former railroad employee, Durand has exhausted his resources to provide for his three daughters: Adèle, the eldest, who takes on the kitchen duties; Annette and Thérèse, the younger twins, who unfortunately contribute little beyond seeking the attention of lodgers with their charms.
The Durand family’s home has been transformed into a lodge out of necessity, a desperate attempt to stave off the economic hardships they’ve faced for over a decade. Despite their efforts, the family is drowning in debt, owing money to nearly everyone in town—from the baker to the grocer. Their situation grows dire when Pierre, the family’s errand boy, returns not with bread but with a stack of unpaid bills.
Among their lodgers is Antonio, an Italian army lieutenant, who represents a flicker of income. However, when Durand must deny Antonio’s offer to pay rent in advance due to their inability to provide further accommodation, the delicate balance they’ve maintained threatens to collapse. This tension reaches a climax when Durand catches Thérèse in an intimate moment with Antonio, leading to a heated confrontation and Antonio’s expulsion from the lodge.
The family dynamic is strained, with Durand’s daughters holding him responsible for their plight, a sentiment unfairly seeded by their late mother. She, having squandered their fortune on lottery tickets and blaming Durand for their misfortunes, had turned the daughters against their father. In a heartbreaking revelation, Durand shares the true extent of their financial despair and the sacrifices he’s made, including serving in the Swiss Army against his native France to secure a future for his family.
As the story unfolds, Durand devises a final, drastic plan to ensure his daughters’ financial security. Instructing them on the importance of insurance documents amidst a feigned accident setup, Durand’s narrative shifts from one of despair to a poignant tale of a father’s love and sacrifice. He consumes poison and sets their home ablaze, aiming to secure the fire insurance payout for his daughters.
“Facing Death” is a harrowing exploration of familial bonds, sacrifice, and the lengths to which a parent will go to protect their children. Strindberg presents us with a narrative steeped in dramatic naturalism, challenging the audience to reflect on the themes of love, responsibility, and the harsh realities of financial desperation. Durand, through his actions, embodies the ultimate sacrifice, leaving a legacy of love and protection for his daughters at the cost of his own life.
