Der Zerbrochene Krug Zusammenfassung Nach Auftritten
Heinrich von Kleist's Der zerbrochene Krug (The Broken Jug) is a renowned German comedy, a cornerstone of German literature, and a frequent topic in German language and literature courses. This article provides a clear and practical summary of the play, broken down by scene (Auftritt), to aid understanding for expats, newcomers, or anyone seeking a concise overview.
General Information about the Play
Before diving into the scene-by-scene summary, it's helpful to understand the play's core conflict and characters. The story unfolds in a small Dutch village (referencing Kleist's political allegories) and centers around a broken jug. However, the true subject is the abuse of power and the difficulty of uncovering the truth, even when evidence is seemingly clear.
Key Characters:
- Dorfrichter Adam (Village Judge Adam): A corrupt judge who is desperately trying to cover up his own misdeeds. He is the central comedic figure, characterized by his arrogance and increasingly desperate attempts to evade responsibility.
- Marthe Rull: An elderly woman whose jug is broken. She is determined to seek justice and fiercely protective of her daughter, Eve.
- Eve Rull: Marthe's daughter, a young woman caught in the middle of the conflict. She is reluctant to reveal the truth, possibly due to fear or shame.
- Gerichtsschreiber Licht (Court Clerk Licht): Adam's clerk, initially naive and trusting, but gradually begins to suspect Adam's guilt.
- Gerichtsrat Walter (Councilor Walter): An examining magistrate sent from Utrecht to oversee the local court. He represents the authority of the higher court and is dedicated to uncovering the truth.
Scene-by-Scene Summary (Auftrittsweise Zusammenfassung)
Erster Auftritt
The play opens with Licht frantically searching for Dorfrichter Adam. He needs Adam's signature on an important document, and Adam is nowhere to be found. This immediately establishes a sense of disorder and suggests that Adam is not fulfilling his responsibilities.
Zweiter Auftritt
Adam finally appears, sporting a bandaged head and limping. He claims to have fallen while inspecting the stables. Licht expresses concern, but Adam dismisses it, demonstrating a lack of concern for protocol and his own well-being. Adam's bandaged head and evasive behavior immediately raise suspicion.
Dritter Auftritt
Marthe Rull enters, furious about her broken jug. She demands justice and insists that the perpetrator be found. Adam, acting as judge, promises to investigate the matter thoroughly. However, his demeanor suggests a lack of genuine interest and a desire to quickly resolve the situation without attracting too much attention.
Vierter Auftritt
Gerichtsrat Walter arrives from Utrecht. He announces that he will be conducting a surprise inspection of the court. This announcement sends Adam into a state of panic. He tries to dissuade Walter, claiming that everything is in order and that the inspection is unnecessary. Walter, however, remains firm.
Fünfter Auftritt
Walter begins the inspection. He questions Adam about the broken jug and the court's procedures. Adam's answers are vague and evasive, further arousing Walter's suspicion. The questioning begins to expose the irregularities within Adam's court. Licht is also questioned and is initially hesitant to speak out, but Walter's presence starts to encourage him to consider the discrepancies he has observed.
Sechster Auftritt
Marthe provides her account of the events surrounding the broken jug. She claims that someone broke into her house and that her daughter, Eve, knows who it was. However, Eve remains silent and refuses to identify the culprit. The ambiguity surrounding Eve's silence becomes central to the unfolding mystery.
Siebter Auftritt
Walter presses Eve to reveal what she knows. She is clearly distressed and struggles to speak. Her reluctance fuels the speculation that she is protecting someone. Adam, meanwhile, tries to influence her testimony, subtly attempting to steer her away from implicating anyone. He attempts to use his position to intimidate her and control the narrative.
Achter Auftritt
Further questioning reveals that the intruder fled through the window and left behind a wig. This provides a tangible piece of evidence. Walter orders that the wig be examined closely. Adam becomes increasingly agitated by this development, realizing that the evidence could potentially incriminate him.
Neunter Auftritt
Walter compares the wig to Adam's hair, noting a striking similarity. Adam vehemently denies any connection to the wig and attempts to deflect suspicion onto others. The evidence starts to directly point towards Adam's involvement.
Zehnter Auftritt
Eve finally breaks down and reveals that she was visited by a man in her room that night. She refuses to name him directly, but her indirect references strongly suggest that the man was Adam. This is the turning point in the play, where the truth starts to emerge despite Adam's efforts to conceal it.
Elfter Auftritt
Walter confronts Adam with Eve's testimony and the circumstantial evidence. Adam continues to deny any wrongdoing, but his denials become less convincing. He tries to explain away the evidence with increasingly absurd excuses. His credibility completely collapses.
Zwölfter Auftritt
Licht, emboldened by Walter's presence and the mounting evidence, openly accuses Adam of being the culprit. He describes Adam's odd behavior and points out the inconsistencies in his story. Licht's shift from subservience to defiance marks a significant development, illustrating the power of truth to overcome fear.
Dreizehnter Auftritt
Adam, cornered and desperate, finally confesses to being in Eve's room that night. However, he claims that he was only there to "advise" her. He tries to minimize his actions and portray himself as a well-intentioned benefactor. He tries to spin the situation to regain some semblance of control.
Vierzehnter Auftritt
Walter reveals that he knew all along that Adam was the culprit. He had been observing Adam's behavior and gathering evidence to expose his corruption. The entire inspection was a carefully orchestrated plan to trap Adam. Walter demonstrates his superior intelligence and strategic thinking.
Fünfzehnter Auftritt
The play concludes with Adam being arrested and facing the consequences of his actions. Marthe finally receives justice for her broken jug, and Eve is freed from the burden of her secret. Licht is commended for his honesty and courage. The play ends with a sense of order being restored and justice prevailing. The community is freed from the corruption of their Judge.
Themes and Interpretation
Der zerbrochene Krug explores several important themes:
- Abuse of Power: Adam's corruption and exploitation of his position are central to the play.
- The Nature of Truth: The play highlights the difficulty of uncovering the truth, especially when powerful individuals try to conceal it.
- Justice and Law: The play examines the importance of a fair and impartial legal system.
- Appearance vs. Reality: Adam presents himself as a respectable judge, but his true nature is revealed through his actions.
The play is also a satire of the legal system and human nature. Kleist uses humor to expose the flaws and inconsistencies of the judicial process and to critique the hypocrisy and self-deception that can be found in individuals and institutions. The comedic elements of the play make it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Furthermore, the play can be interpreted as a political allegory. The setting in a Dutch village may be a subtle commentary on the political situation in Prussia during Kleist's time, suggesting a critique of authoritarian rule and the need for reform. The broken jug, in this interpretation, represents the fractured state of justice and the need for repair.
Conclusion
Der zerbrochene Krug is a complex and rewarding play that continues to resonate with audiences today. This scene-by-scene summary provides a foundation for understanding the play's plot, characters, and themes. By examining the events of each Auftritt, one can gain a deeper appreciation for Kleist's masterful storytelling and his insightful commentary on human nature and the pursuit of justice.
