Many authors and playwrights have addressed the issue of the parameters and dynamics of social aspirations. They explore the idea that social status is a determining factor in people's lives. Lady Julie by August Strindberg shows the complex relationship between a mistress and her servant, and their goals of different social standings. Strindberg shows that these goals, and those of a similar nature, lead to the downfall of the individuals, hence social boundaries and limitations should be eliminated. Bertolt Brecht conveys a similar argument in The Good Person of Szechwan. He argues that social aspirations lead to the downfall of those that are "good," and hence his character should determine a person's status.
In an effort to break down social barriers, Strindberg wrote Lady Julie in a time when the rift between a master or mistress in this case and servant was great. A person of high social standing had many expectations of them, and regarded their reputation upkeep as highly important. Jean, the servant, observes that high-class people live in ease, with others attending to them. This is exactly how he would like to live. Julie, the mistress, saw the expectations and restrictions imposed on her by her class with distaste. She enjoyed having people wait on her, but at the same time wanted to be free. People notice small things, too. Jean tells another servant in disbelief, "Do you know what I saw? Lady Julie leading the dance with the gamekeeper!" (p. 101). For this, they label Julie through rumors as "mad," (p. 106).
The two characters see each other as means to accomplish their goals. Julie, in her drunken state, thinks that an affair with Jean will satisfy her needs. Strindberg foreshadows the consequences of Julie's actions when Jean asks her, "Don't you know that it's dangerous to play with fire?" (p. 113). Jean has the idea that he will travel to a foreign country and start a hotel there.
