In an effort to break down social barriers, August Strindberg wrote Lady Julie, which explores the relationship between a master and her servant. This play was written in 1888 and set in the 1880s, during the peak of aristocracy in Europe. It raised many controversial issues of the time such as sexual conduct between a master and a servant. Strindberg's parents had been of different classes, so much of the play parallels his life. Near the end of the play, Lady Julie reveals to her servant, Jean, that her mother had been a commoner, and she is only noble because her father is a count. Strindberg's mother was his father's servant. Strindberg was conflicted about to which class he belonged. Class identification is extensively explored in Lady Julie.

The three characters in Lady Julie have three distinct roles. Lady Julie is the ruthless, immoral character who is willing to...