Arrival of the Millionaire

Claire Zachanassian, a fabulously wealthy woman, returns to her impoverished hometown of Güllen. The town, once prosperous, is now in ruins, and its citizens are desperate for salvation. Claire's arrival is met with hope, as the townspeople believe her wealth could restore their fortunes. However, Claire's intentions are not purely benevolent. She has returned with a proposition that will test the moral fabric of the town.

A Town's Desperation

The town of Güllen is depicted as a shadow of its former self, with its economy in shambles and its people living in poverty. The townspeople reminisce about their past glory and express their desperation for change. Claire's return is seen as a potential turning point, and the town's leaders, including the mayor and the schoolteacher, are eager to welcome her and secure her financial support.

Claire's Proposal

Claire makes a startling proposal: she offers the town a billion dollars in exchange for the life of Alfred Ill, a local shopkeeper and her former lover who wronged her in their youth. The townspeople are initially horrified by the proposition, but the allure of wealth begins to cloud their judgment. Claire's offer forces the town to confront its values and the lengths it will go to for financial gain.

Ill's Dilemma

Alfred Ill, the target of Claire's vendetta, is forced to confront his past actions and the consequences they have wrought. As the townspeople begin to change their attitudes towards him, Ill becomes increasingly isolated and fearful for his life. He grapples with guilt and the realization that his past misdeeds have led to this moment of reckoning.

The Town's Transformation

As the promise of wealth looms, the town begins to transform. The citizens, once united in their rejection of Claire's offer, start to rationalize the potential murder of Ill. The allure of financial security and the restoration of their town's former glory become too tempting to resist, leading to a gradual erosion of their moral integrity.

Ill's Realization

Ill comes to terms with his fate, recognizing that the town's decision is inevitable. He reflects on his life and the choices that have led him to this point. Despite his fear, Ill finds a sense of peace in accepting the consequences of his actions. He understands that his death is the price for the town's salvation and the restoration of justice in Claire's eyes.

The Final Judgment

The townspeople gather to make their final decision. In a tense and emotional scene, they vote to accept Claire's offer, sealing Ill's fate. The act of collective murder is portrayed as a tragic but necessary sacrifice for the greater good. The town's transformation is complete, and Claire's revenge is fulfilled. The play ends with a reflection on the nature of justice, morality, and the corrupting power of wealth.

Characters

Claire Zachanassian

Claire is a complex character driven by a desire for revenge against Ill, who wronged her in their youth. Her immense wealth gives her the power to manipulate the town and its people. Despite her seemingly cold and calculating nature, Claire's actions are rooted in a deep sense of betrayal and a longing for justice.

Alfred Ill

Ill is a shopkeeper and the target of Claire's vendetta. He is forced to confront the consequences of his past actions and the impact they have had on his life and the town. Ill's journey is one of self-realization and acceptance, as he grapples with guilt and ultimately resigns himself to his fate.

The Mayor

The mayor represents the town's leadership and its desperation for economic revival. He is initially opposed to Claire's proposal but gradually succumbs to the temptation of wealth, prioritizing the town's prosperity over moral integrity.

The Schoolteacher

The schoolteacher embodies the town's moral conscience, struggling with the ethical implications of Claire's offer. He is torn between his duty to uphold justice and the allure of financial security for the town.

The Policeman

The policeman is a figure of authority in the town, tasked with maintaining order. He is caught in the moral dilemma posed by Claire's proposal, representing the conflict between duty and personal gain.

The Priest

The priest serves as a moral guide for the town, urging the citizens to reject Claire's offer and uphold their ethical values. He is a symbol of the town's spiritual conscience, advocating for justice and compassion.

The Butler (Boby)

Boby is Claire's butler and a former judge who represents the legal system that failed her. He is a key figure in executing Claire's plan, highlighting the theme of justice and retribution.

Koby and Loby

Koby and Loby are former lovers of Claire who were manipulated by Ill in the past. They serve as a reminder of the consequences of Ill's actions and the collateral damage of his betrayal.

Plot Devices

Moral Dilemma

The central plot device is the moral dilemma faced by the town of Güllen. Claire's offer forces the townspeople to choose between their ethical values and the promise of financial prosperity. This dilemma drives the narrative and highlights the corrupting influence of wealth.

Revenge

Claire's desire for revenge is a key plot device that propels the story forward. Her return to Güllen and her proposal to the town are motivated by a need to rectify the wrongs of the past, exploring themes of justice and retribution.

Transformation

The transformation of Güllen from a once-prosperous town to a morally bankrupt community is a significant plot device. This transformation is mirrored in the characters' changing attitudes and actions, illustrating the impact of Claire's offer on the town's collective conscience.

Analysis

"Der Besuch der alten Dame" is a powerful exploration of the corrupting influence of wealth and the moral complexities of justice and revenge. Dürrenmatt uses the town of Güllen as a microcosm to examine the darker aspects of human nature, highlighting how desperation and greed can lead individuals to compromise their values. The play raises important questions about the nature of justice and the price of redemption, challenging readers to reflect on their own ethical beliefs and the societal structures that shape them. Through its tragic and thought-provoking narrative, the play remains a timeless commentary on the human condition and the moral dilemmas we face.

Last updated: March 5, 2025