Alliances Quote by August Strindberg
“On the much revered family of North American mythology - and a metaphor for the Ruling Alliance: Sacred family! … The supposed home of all the virtues, where innocent children are tortured into their first falsehoods, where wills are broken by parental tyranny, and self-respect smothered by crowded, jostling egos.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Father, 1887
The sacred family ideal is a myth that masks the cruelty inflicted on children, breaking wills and smothering self‑respect.
In simple terms: Family ideals can hide abuse and loss of self‑respect.
Key Takeaway
Question and protect personal autonomy.
Themes
family
myth
abuse
Mood
critical
somber
Type
social
psychological
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- cultural narratives
- mental health
Key Concepts
psychology
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does tradition affect personal freedom?
- What safeguards can protect children’s self‑respect?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing family may overlook individual suffering.
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