August Strindberg

The Inferno

The narrator and central figure experiencing the inferno.

I: The Hand of the Invisible

The narrator and protagonist, who conducts chemical experiments, suffers from burned hands, and experiences isolation and guilt after separating from his wife.

II: St. Louis Leads Me to Orfila

The narrator's initials A.S. appear on a dyer's shield, interpreted as an omen; he is the central figure conducting chemical experiments.

III: Paradise Regained

Narrator and protagonist; reflects on his happiest period, scientific work, and spiritual formation.

IV: The Fall and Paradise Lost

Implied as the authorial self; the narrator's actions and thoughts reflect Strindberg's own experiences.

V: Purgatory

The narrator, experiencing paranoia, spiritual crisis, and scientific obsession at Hôtel Orfila.

VI: Hell

Strindberg is the author and subject of the narrative, depicted as the narrator undergoing persecution and spiritual crisis.

VII: Beatrice

The narrator, reflecting on his past in Berlin and his journey to Klam, where he is reunited with his daughter and experiences a series of ominous events.

VIII: Swedenborg

The narrator, who recounts his suffering and discovery of Swedenborg's hell.

IX: Extracts from the Diary of a Damned Soul

The narrator, writing from his diary, describes his persecution, alchemical work, and spiritual crisis.

X: The Eternal Has Spoken

The narrator, experiencing poverty, isolation, and spiritual turmoil, interprets a thunderclap as a divine sign.

XI: Hell Let Loose

The narrator and protagonist, tormented by paranoia and supernatural events.

XII: Pilgrimage and Penance

The narrator, who returns to Sweden in a penitent's costume and seeks expiation.

XIII: The Deliverer

The narrator who discovers in Swedenborg's works the explanation for his own torments and spiritual journey.

XIV: Tribulations

The narrator, reflecting on his own life and struggles.

Whither?

The narrator, reflecting on his spiritual journey and daily life in Lund.

Epilogue

The narrator, reflecting on his own life as a sign and proverb.

Endnotes

Referenced as the author of the first autobiography and as the subject of the note about never entering the Roman Church.