ABSTRACT
When The Father is placed in a straitjacket by his wife near the climax of Strindberg’s play, he shouts: “Omphale, Omphale!” referring to the Queen of Lydia who employed Hercules as a servant, wore the great athlete’s lion-skin, and hunted with his club and spear. Today’s American women are emulating Omphale although not too long ago embroidery and painting china were almost their only approved leisure pursuits.
