Summary:

In the play “Der Besuch der alten Dame” (The Visit), written by Friedrich Dürrenmatt, the small town of Güllen is visited by a wealthy woman, Claire Zachanassian, who offers the townspeople a vast sum of money in exchange for the life of Alfred Ill, a former lover who wronged her in their youth. As the town’s moral compass is tested, they must confront their own greed, corruption, and the consequences of their actions.

The Arrival of Claire Zachanassian

The play begins with the arrival of Claire Zachanassian, a multimillionaire who left Güllen many years ago. She is accompanied by her butler and a series of black coffins, symbolizing death. Claire’s visit stirs up excitement among the townspeople, who hope that her wealth will revive their dying town. However, they soon discover that her offer comes with a dark condition: she wants Alfred Ill dead.

The Moral Dilemma

As the townspeople grapple with Claire’s proposition, they are forced to confront their own moral values. Initially, they reject the idea of sacrificing a human life for money, but as the allure of wealth grows, their convictions begin to waver. The town’s mayor, politicians, and even Alfred’s closest friends start to consider the possibility of killing him to secure their financial future.

The Corruption of Güllen

As the play progresses, the true nature of the town is revealed. Güllen is depicted as a corrupt and decaying place, where everyone has a price. The townspeople, who were once upright and moral, become consumed by greed and selfishness. They turn a blind eye to their own moral decay, willing to sacrifice one of their own for personal gain. The once tight-knit community is torn apart by the promise of wealth.

• The play explores the destructive power of money and how it can corrupt even the most virtuous individuals.
• It highlights the moral decay of society and the lengths people will go to in order to secure their own financial well-being.
• The play raises questions about the nature of justice and the morality of revenge.

“The world has become a global brothel, and the brothel is owned by multinational capital.”

The Consequences of Actions

In the final act, the townspeople ultimately decide to sacrifice Alfred Ill for Claire’s wealth. However, their actions have severe consequences. The once prosperous town becomes a ghost town, as Claire’s money brings about its downfall. The people who were once willing to kill for wealth are left with nothing but regret and a sense of emptiness.

Key Takeaways:

• Money has the power to corrupt even the most virtuous individuals and communities.
• Greed and selfishness can lead to the downfall of society.
• Revenge and the pursuit of justice can have unintended consequences.

In “Der Besuch der alten Dame,” Friedrich Dürrenmatt masterfully explores the themes of greed, corruption, and the consequences of one’s actions. The play serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the destructive power of money and the importance of maintaining our moral compass in the face of temptation.