The novel “The Red Room,” which brought Strindberg instant and resounding success, depicts in satirical tones the mores of the contemporary Swedish society of the writer: stupid bureaucracy in governing the country, parasitism of officials, the comedy of parliamentarism, corruption of the press, scams of nascent joint-stock companies, the hypocrisy of religious and charitable societies, the dependence of art on capitalists. Against this background, the personal tragedy of the hero of the novel unfolds - comprehension of the wrong side of life and the loss of his youthful ideals.