Inhalt Besuch Der Alten Dame

Friedrich Dürrenmatt's tragicomic play, "Der Besuch der alten Dame" (The Visit), is a cornerstone of German-language literature. It explores themes of justice, revenge, morality, and the corrupting influence of wealth. This article provides a clear and concise overview of the play's content, designed for expats, newcomers to German culture, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this complex work.

Summary of the Plot

The play is set in the impoverished town of Güllen, a once-thriving community now facing economic ruin. The townsfolk eagerly await the arrival of Claire Zachanassian, a former resident who has become immensely wealthy. They hope she will offer financial assistance to revitalize their town.

Claire arrives in Güllen with a grand entourage, including her seventh husband and several bodyguards. Initially, the townspeople are hopeful and welcoming, showering her with attention and attempting to rekindle old relationships. However, Claire soon reveals the true purpose of her visit.

She offers the town a billion (currency unspecified, but understood to be a significant amount): 500 million for the town itself and 500 million to be distributed among the families. The catch? She demands justice for a past wrong: the death of her child by a man named Alfred Ill, who resides in Güllen and is a respected member of the community.

Years earlier, Ill, who was Claire's lover when they were young, denied paternity of their child and bribed two witnesses to perjure themselves in court. As a result, Claire was forced to leave Güllen in disgrace and became a prostitute to survive.

Initially, the mayor and the townspeople reject Claire's offer, proclaiming their commitment to justice and principles. They repeatedly assert that they would rather remain poor than compromise their moral values. "Wir sind arme Leute, aber wir sind anständig" (We are poor people, but we are decent) becomes a recurring phrase.

However, as time passes, the lure of Claire's wealth proves too strong. Subtle changes begin to occur in Güllen. The townspeople, increasingly confident in the prospect of Claire's money, start buying expensive goods on credit, assuming they will soon be able to repay their debts. Ill notices these changes and becomes increasingly isolated and fearful.

As Ill's fear grows, he seeks help from the police and the mayor, but they offer him little comfort, hinting subtly that his safety cannot be guaranteed. Even the pastor, initially supportive, begins to distance himself. Ill slowly realizes that the townspeople are willing to sacrifice him for the sake of their own financial gain.

The play builds suspense as the townspeople's subtle hints become more explicit. Ill's life is increasingly threatened, though no one directly confesses their intentions. The atmosphere of Güllen becomes increasingly sinister, as the allure of wealth gradually erodes the town's moral fabric.

In the final act, Ill accepts his fate. He understands that he is a scapegoat for the town's desperation and that his death is the price they are willing to pay for prosperity. The townspeople, in a choreographed act of collective guilt, gather at Ill's store, and he is killed. The official cause of death is declared to be a heart attack.

Claire arrives to confirm Ill's death and, upon verification, delivers the promised billion to the town. The townspeople celebrate their newfound wealth, but the play leaves the audience questioning the true cost of their prosperity.

Key Themes

"Der Besuch der alten Dame" explores several significant themes:

Justice and Revenge

The play questions the nature of justice. Claire seeks revenge for the wrong done to her in her youth. But is her revenge justified? Is it right to sacrifice one person for the betterment of an entire community? Dürrenmatt doesn't offer easy answers but forces the audience to grapple with these moral dilemmas.

The Corrupting Influence of Wealth

The play vividly illustrates how the promise of wealth can corrupt individuals and entire communities. The townspeople of Güllen initially uphold their moral principles, but the temptation of Claire's money gradually erodes their values. They are willing to compromise their integrity and sacrifice Ill to escape their poverty.

Individual vs. Collective Responsibility

Dürrenmatt explores the tension between individual and collective responsibility. While Ill is undoubtedly guilty of his past actions, the townspeople are complicit in his death. They collectively choose to prioritize their financial well-being over their moral obligations. The play suggests that collective guilt can be just as devastating as individual wrongdoing.

Morality and Expediency

The play highlights the conflict between morality and expediency. The townspeople initially claim to value morality above all else, but their actions demonstrate that they are ultimately willing to compromise their principles for practical gain. This raises questions about the true meaning of morality and the extent to which it can be sacrificed in the pursuit of economic prosperity.

Guilt and Atonement

Ill's acceptance of his fate can be interpreted as an act of atonement. He recognizes his past wrongdoings and understands that his death is the only way to restore balance to Güllen. However, the play also suggests that true atonement is impossible, as the townspeople remain morally compromised despite their newfound wealth. The guilt, though shared, will always be present.

Characters

• Claire Zachanassian: The wealthy protagonist who returns to Güllen seeking revenge. She is a powerful and enigmatic figure, hardened by her past experiences.
• Alfred Ill: The former lover of Claire and the target of her revenge. He is a respected member of the community who is ultimately sacrificed for the town's prosperity.
• The Mayor: The representative of Güllen who initially rejects Claire's offer but eventually succumbs to the pressure of the townspeople.
• The Schoolmaster: A character who represents intellectual honesty. He tries to resist the corrupting influence of Claire's money, but he is ultimately powerless to prevent Ill's death.
• The Pastor: Initially a moral guide, the pastor is shown to be influenced by the potential for financial gain.
• The Policeman: Like the mayor and pastor, he represents the compromised authority in Güllen.
• Toby and Roby: Claire's blind bodyguards, castrated by her. Symbolic representations of the consequences of crossing Claire, and the power she wields.

Dramatic Devices

Dürrenmatt employs several dramatic devices to enhance the play's impact:

• Tragicomedy: The play blends elements of tragedy and comedy, creating a sense of unease and moral ambiguity. The humor often serves to highlight the absurdity of the situation and the hypocrisy of the characters.
• Grotesque: The play features grotesque characters and situations, emphasizing the distorted moral landscape of Güllen. Claire's appearance and entourage contribute to the play's overall sense of the bizarre.
• Symbolism: The play is rich in symbolism. The town's name, Güllen (which can be translated as "liquid manure"), symbolizes the moral decay and corruption that pervade the community. Claire's prosthetic limbs represent her past suffering and her determination to overcome her physical limitations. The yellow shoes are also a recurring symbol. Their initial purchase by Ill, then quickly by the town, signifies the creeping influence of wealth and impending doom.
• Repetition: The repetition of phrases and motifs, such as "Wir sind arme Leute, aber wir sind anständig," reinforces the play's themes and highlights the hypocrisy of the characters.

Interpretation

"Der Besuch der alten Dame" is a complex and multifaceted play that can be interpreted in various ways. It can be seen as a critique of capitalism, a parable about the dangers of greed, or an exploration of the nature of justice and revenge. The play's enduring relevance lies in its ability to provoke thought and challenge conventional moral assumptions.

Why is it important to know?

Understanding "Der Besuch der alten Dame" is crucial for anyone interested in German culture and literature. The play is frequently studied in schools and universities, and it is often performed in theaters throughout the German-speaking world. Furthermore, its themes resonate beyond the specific context of the play, offering valuable insights into human nature and the complexities of moral decision-making. Knowledge of this play provides a deeper understanding of the societal critiques prevalent in postwar German literature and thought.

For expats and newcomers, familiarity with "Der Besuch der alten Dame" can provide a valuable window into German cultural values and anxieties. It can also serve as a conversation starter and a way to connect with German speakers who are familiar with this important work of art. The play, though fictional, mirrors concerns regarding economic disparities and the allure of easy wealth, topics that are globally relevant.