Besuch Der Alten Dame Ill

Besuch der alten Dame, often translated as The Visit, is a tragicomic play by Swiss author Friedrich Dürrenmatt. It's a cornerstone of German-language theater and a work studied extensively in German schools. Understanding the play's context, characters, and themes is crucial for anyone encountering it, whether for academic purposes, theatrical interest, or simply as a window into Swiss-German literature. This article aims to provide a clear and concise overview of Besuch der alten Dame, focusing on aspects particularly relevant to expats, newcomers, or anyone seeking a factual understanding of the play.

The Story: A Bitter Bargain in Ill

The play is set in the impoverished and decaying town of Güllen (often translated as Ill), a fictional place whose name is evocative of stagnation and perhaps illness itself. Güllen was once a thriving industrial center, but economic decline has left its inhabitants desperate and reliant on meager welfare payments.

Suddenly, hope arrives in the form of Claire Zachanassian, a billionaire who was born and raised in Güllen. She returns after decades of absence, accompanied by a retinue of bizarre figures and a black panther in a cage. The townsfolk, initially overjoyed at the prospect of financial salvation, eagerly anticipate her arrival. Alfred Ill, a respected shopkeeper and the play's protagonist, is designated to be her welcoming committee. He was Claire's former lover, a fact that hangs heavily over the proceedings.

However, Claire Zachanassian's visit comes with a chilling condition: she offers the town a billion Swiss francs (half to the town and half to be divided amongst the citizens) in exchange for the murder of Alfred Ill. She declares that Ill wronged her in their youth. He seduced her, got her pregnant, and then denied paternity. He bribed two witnesses, Roby and Toby, (later revealed to be castrated and permanently in her service) to falsely testify against her in court, resulting in her being ostracized and forced to leave Güllen in disgrace, leading a life of hardship and prostitution. Claire, now immensely wealthy, seeks justice, or rather, her own brand of revenge.

The townsfolk are initially horrified by Claire's proposal, proclaiming their commitment to justice and humanity. They vow to protect Ill. However, as the play progresses, the allure of wealth slowly corrupts them. They start buying expensive items on credit, anticipating the arrival of Claire's money. Their behavior towards Ill subtly changes from friendly to suspicious and menacing.

Ill, realizing his imminent danger, desperately seeks help from the police, the mayor, and the pastor, but they all subtly evade their responsibility and essentially offer him platitudes. He becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid, recognizing that the entire town is turning against him. He tries to escape, but finds that even the train station is compromised; the conductor refuses to let him board a train. He is trapped.

In the end, Ill accepts his fate. He realizes that the town's poverty and desperation have made them susceptible to Claire's offer. He faces his death with a degree of dignity and resignation. The townsfolk, driven by their desire for wealth, carry out the act, claiming it as a collective decision. The play concludes with Claire paying the town, and Güllen beginning its economic recovery, stained by the blood of a man they once considered one of their own.

Key Characters and Their Significance

Claire Zachanassian: The vengeful billionaire. She is a powerful and enigmatic figure, seemingly devoid of emotion. Her wealth and ruthlessness allow her to manipulate the town and orchestrate her revenge. She represents the corrupting influence of money and the perversion of justice. The various husbands and the castrated men (Roby and Toby) show that she has reduced people to mere objects in her life.
Alfred Ill: The protagonist and victim. Initially a respected member of the community, he becomes increasingly isolated and fearful as the play progresses. He embodies the flaws and weaknesses that make him vulnerable to Claire's revenge. He ultimately accepts responsibility for his past actions, albeit belatedly.
The Townsfolk (Die Güllener): They represent the moral decay and susceptibility to corruption that can arise from poverty and desperation. They initially proclaim their commitment to justice, but gradually succumb to the temptation of wealth. Their collective decision to kill Ill highlights the dangers of mob mentality and the erosion of individual conscience.
The Mayor (Der Bürgermeister): A symbol of political expediency and moral compromise. He initially opposes Claire's proposal but ultimately prioritizes the town's economic well-being over Ill's life.
The Pastor (Der Pfarrer): Represents the failing institution of the Church, unable to provide meaningful moral guidance in the face of overwhelming temptation. He offers Ill empty platitudes instead of genuine help.
The Police Chief (Der Polizist): Another figure who demonstrates the breakdown of law and order. He is aware of the impending crime but chooses to turn a blind eye, prioritizing the town's potential wealth over justice.
Roby and Toby: Claire’s blind servants, castrated in order to be unable to identify her as the mother of their child. They are a constant reminder to Ill and the town that Claire is not one to be taken lightly.

Themes Explored in Besuch der alten Dame

Justice and Revenge: The play explores the complex relationship between justice and revenge. Claire believes she is seeking justice for the wrongs she suffered in her youth, but her actions are driven by personal vengeance. The play questions whether true justice can be achieved through such means.
The Corrupting Influence of Money: The play highlights the dangers of greed and the corrupting influence of money. The townsfolk's desire for wealth leads them to abandon their moral principles and commit a heinous crime.
Moral Decay: The play depicts the moral decay of Güllen, a town that has succumbed to poverty and desperation. The townsfolk's willingness to kill Ill for money demonstrates the extent to which their values have been eroded.
Individual Responsibility vs. Collective Guilt: The play raises questions about individual responsibility and collective guilt. While each member of the community contributes to Ill's death, they attempt to absolve themselves of individual responsibility by claiming it as a collective decision.
The Power of the Past: The past has a profound impact on the present in Besuch der alten Dame. Ill's past actions come back to haunt him, ultimately leading to his demise. The play suggests that the past cannot be easily escaped or forgotten.
Social Commentary: Dürrenmatt’s play is a scathing commentary on society's susceptibility to greed and its willingness to sacrifice moral principles for economic gain. It critiques the values of a society that prioritizes material wealth over human life.

Why is this play important?

Besuch der alten Dame remains relevant due to its timeless exploration of universal themes. It prompts audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the potential for corruption within individuals and societies. The play's dark humor and dramatic tension make it a compelling and thought-provoking work of art. It can be seen as an allegory for post-war Germany and Europe and how quickly the population was willing to forget the horrible crimes that had occurred.

Understanding the Play's Context

Friedrich Dürrenmatt was a prominent Swiss playwright and novelist known for his absurdist and tragicomic works. He often explored themes of guilt, justice, and the human condition in a dark and satirical manner. Besuch der alten Dame, written in 1956, is considered one of his most important and enduring works. Dürrenmatt’s work is often seen as influenced by Bertolt Brecht. Both playwrights used alienation techniques to provoke critical thought and to encourage audiences to question the status quo.

Understanding the play's historical context is also helpful. The post-World War II era was a time of economic hardship and moral reckoning in Europe. Dürrenmatt's play reflects the anxieties and uncertainties of this period, exploring the potential for corruption and the erosion of values in a society struggling to rebuild itself. The theme of collective guilt is particularly relevant in the context of post-war Germany, where the nation grappled with its responsibility for the atrocities of the Nazi regime.

Tips for Expats and Newcomers

If you are encountering Besuch der alten Dame as an expat or newcomer, here are some tips to help you understand the play:

Read the play carefully: Pay attention to the dialogue, stage directions, and character motivations.
Consider the historical context: Understanding the post-World War II era and the anxieties of the time will enhance your appreciation of the play.
Explore the themes: Reflect on the play's themes of justice, revenge, the corrupting influence of money, and moral decay.
Discuss the play with others: Sharing your thoughts and interpretations with others can deepen your understanding of the play.
Watch a performance or film adaptation: Seeing the play performed can bring the characters and themes to life.
Don't be afraid to ask questions: If you are unsure about something, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.

Besuch der alten Dame is a complex and challenging play, but it is also a rewarding one. By taking the time to understand its context, characters, and themes, you can gain a deeper appreciation of this important work of German-language literature.

Where can you find the play?

Besuch der alten Dame is widely available in German and in translation. You can find copies in most bookstores and libraries. Numerous film and stage adaptations also exist.

By understanding the nuances of Dürrenmatt's Besuch der alten Dame, you can unlock a deeper understanding of Swiss-German literature and the enduring power of theater.