Literature Companion: Spring Awakening

The play primarily criticizes the sexually-oppressive culture that prevailed in the 19th century in Germany. Erotic fantasies have been very skillfully dramatized in this play.

The play explores several controversial themes such as sexuality, rape, child abuse, puberty, homosexuality, suicide, abortion, etc. Owing to these controversial subjects, the play was frequently censored and banned.

“Spring Awakening” in English was first performed in New York City in 1917. The Commissioner of Licenses in New York City threatened to close the play claiming that the play was pornographic, but the New York court after a trial issued an injunction to let the play proceed with its production.

Literature Companion: Spring Awakening
Copyright
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Plot Overview
Chapter Three: Characters
Chapter Four: Complete Summary
Act One
Act Two
Act Three
Chapter Five: Critical Analysis