# XVII: Natura… explained — The Red Room

> Chapter companion for The Red Room by August Strindberg.

## What happens

Falander is visited by Agnes, his former lover who is now engaged to Rehnhjelm. She complains about her fiancé's strictness and her own frustration. Their conversation reveals lingering passion and jealousy, as Falander admits he still loves her and that he lied about being tired of her. Agnes, defiant and emotional, ultimately locks the door and draws the blind, signaling a rekindling of their affair.

## Themes in this chapter

### Gender Roles and Women's Rights

Agnes defies feminine propriety by cursing, smoking, and drinking punch, while chafing against her fiancé's restrictions.

### Illusion vs. Reality

Falander's admission that he lied about being tired of Agnes reveals the gap between performed indifference and true feeling.

### Ambition and Moral Compromise

Agnes declares she will be successful 'at any price,' showing her willingness to compromise for ambition.

## Character check-ins

### Falander

At home studying a part; receives Agnes; admits he lied about being tired of her and declares he still loves her.

### Agnes Rundgren

Visits Falander; complains about her fiancé Rehnhjelm's strictness; smokes a cigar and drinks punch; reveals her jealousy and frustration; locks the door and draws the blind.

### Rehnhjelm

Agnes's fiancé; strict and proper; has been given the part of a servant in a new play, which humiliates Agnes.

### Jenny

Mentioned as Falander's lover; Agnes calls her an 'ugly, old hag'.

### Gustav Eriksson

The waiter; cast as Don Diego in the new piece.

## Key lines

> I had to come and see you, it’s so damned slow!

Agnes visits Falander out of boredom and frustration.

_Shows Agnes's restless spirit and dissatisfaction with her engagement._

> I? I shall never love any woman but you!

Falander declares his enduring love for Agnes.

_Key moment revealing Falander's true feelings despite his earlier lies._

> Your soul is evil, and I don’t love evil.

Falander criticizes Agnes's character even as he admits his love.

_Highlights the conflict between passion and moral judgment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_room_se/chapters/xvii-natura
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_room_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_room_se/chapters