Besuch Der Alten Dame Claire Zachanassian

Friedrich Dürrenmatt's Besuch der alten Dame (The Visit) is a cornerstone of German-language literature, frequently studied in schools and performed in theaters across the German-speaking world. For expats and newcomers navigating German culture, understanding this play provides valuable insight into Swiss society, morality, and the enduring power of wealth. This article offers a concise and practical overview of the play's plot, characters, themes, and significance.

Plot Summary

The play centers on the impoverished town of Güllen, a once-prosperous community now facing economic ruin. Their hopes are pinned on the anticipated visit of Claire Zachanassian, a former resident who became incredibly wealthy after a scandalous departure years ago. The townspeople believe she will offer financial assistance to save them from bankruptcy.

Claire arrives with her entourage: her husband VII (replacing previous husbands who have all mysteriously died), her butler Boby, two blind eunuchs named Koby and Roby, and a coffin. It quickly becomes apparent that her intentions are not simply charitable. She offers the townspeople a billion (currency unspecified, but generally understood to be a considerable sum): 500 million for the town and 500 million to be distributed among the citizens. However, there's a condition: she demands the death of Alfred Ill, her former lover who betrayed her when they were young, leading to her public humiliation and exile from Güllen.

Initially, the townspeople are outraged by Claire's proposition. They proclaim their unwavering commitment to justice and their refusal to become murderers for money. The mayor, the schoolmaster, and the pastor all vocally condemn the offer. Alfred Ill, a shopkeeper, feels safe and protected by his fellow citizens.

However, as time progresses, subtle changes occur. The townspeople, emboldened by the prospect of future wealth, begin to make purchases on credit, confident that Claire's money will soon arrive. Ill notices these changes: new shoes, expensive cigars, and a general air of prosperity that Güllen hasn't seen in decades. He senses a growing hostility towards him and realizes that his life is in danger.

Ill tries to escape, attempting to board a train, but the stationmaster prevents him, subtly hinting that he cannot leave. He seeks help from the police, but the police chief is more concerned with maintaining order than protecting Ill. The pastor offers spiritual solace but lacks the courage to stand against the growing tide of greed. Even the schoolmaster, initially a strong advocate for justice, succumbs to temptation and buys himself alcohol on credit.

Slowly but surely, the townspeople are morally corrupted by the lure of wealth. They deny that they intend to kill Ill, but their actions speak louder than words. They passively allow his fate to unfold, justifying their inaction with increasingly flimsy excuses. The press, initially reporting on Claire's scandalous proposal, focuses instead on Güllen's economic revival, conveniently ignoring the dark secret at its heart.

In the end, Ill accepts his fate. He understands that the townspeople have already condemned him. He prepares himself for death, recognizing that he is paying the price for his past actions. The townspeople gather for a town meeting, ostensibly to discuss Claire's offer, but in reality, to carry out their plan.

The play culminates in Ill's death. He is surrounded by the townspeople, who claim he died of a heart attack, although it is clear that they have intentionally killed him. The doctor confirms the cause of death, and Claire Zachanassian officially hands over the billion. The town of Güllen is saved, but at the cost of its moral integrity.

Key Characters

Claire Zachanassian: A wealthy and powerful woman seeking revenge for the injustices she suffered in her youth. She is cold, calculating, and seemingly devoid of empathy.
Alfred Ill: A shopkeeper who betrayed Claire in his youth. He is initially confident in his community's support but gradually realizes the danger he faces. He undergoes a transformation, accepting responsibility for his past actions.
The Mayor: The leader of Güllen, torn between his desire to save the town and his initial commitment to justice. He ultimately succumbs to the pressure of public opinion and participates in Ill's demise.
The Schoolmaster: A humanist and intellectual who initially opposes Claire's offer but eventually gives in to temptation. He represents the moral decay of the town.
The Pastor: A religious figure who offers spiritual comfort but lacks the strength to challenge the town's collective decision.
The Police Chief: More concerned with maintaining order and protecting the town's reputation than with upholding the law.

Themes

Justice and Revenge: The play explores the complex relationship between justice and revenge. Claire seeks to exact revenge for the injustice she suffered, but her actions raise questions about the morality of her methods.
Wealth and Corruption: Besuch der alten Dame illustrates the corrupting influence of wealth. The prospect of financial security leads the townspeople to abandon their moral principles.
Collective Guilt: The play raises questions about collective responsibility. Are the townspeople individually guilty of murder, or is the entire community responsible for Ill's death?
Moral Decay: Güllen's decline from a once-prosperous and moral community to a morally bankrupt town highlights the dangers of succumbing to greed and self-interest.
Individual Responsibility: While the play emphasizes collective guilt, it also explores the importance of individual responsibility. Ill's acceptance of his fate suggests that he recognizes his role in the tragedy.

Significance and Interpretation

Besuch der alten Dame is a powerful and enduring critique of human nature and the corrupting influence of money. Dürrenmatt uses dark humor and exaggerated characters to expose the hypocrisy and moral failings of society. The play raises profound questions about justice, revenge, and the price of progress.

The play can be interpreted in various ways. Some see it as a cynical commentary on the human condition, suggesting that people are inherently selfish and willing to compromise their values for personal gain. Others view it as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of unchecked greed and the erosion of moral principles.

Furthermore, the play's setting in a small, isolated town allows Dürrenmatt to examine the dynamics of group behavior and the pressures of conformity. The townspeople's gradual descent into moral depravity illustrates how easily individuals can be influenced by the collective will, even when it contradicts their own moral convictions.

Why is this play important for Expats?

Understanding Besuch der alten Dame is valuable for expats for several reasons:

Cultural Insight: The play provides insight into Swiss (and generally German-speaking) cultural values, particularly the importance of community, justice, and financial stability.
Social Commentary: It offers a lens through which to view contemporary social issues, such as the widening gap between the rich and poor, the influence of money on politics, and the challenges of maintaining ethical standards in a globalized world.
Literary Appreciation: It introduces you to a key work of German-language literature, enriching your understanding of the cultural landscape.
Conversation Starter: Familiarity with the play can facilitate conversations and connections with locals, demonstrating an interest in and understanding of their culture.

Further Exploration

To deepen your understanding of Besuch der alten Dame, consider the following:

Read the play: Numerous editions of the play are available in German and English.
Watch a performance: Look for theatrical productions or film adaptations of the play.
Read critical analyses: Explore scholarly articles and essays that offer different perspectives on the play's themes and significance.
Discuss the play with others: Engage in conversations with friends, colleagues, or book club members to share your interpretations and insights.

By exploring Besuch der alten Dame, expats can gain valuable insights into German-language culture and grapple with the play's timeless themes of justice, revenge, and the corrupting influence of wealth.