Der Besuch der alten Dame - Akt 3 - Hörbuch

Summary

The provided script from Friedrich Dürrenmatt's 'The Visit of the Old Lady' unfolds a tale of the wealthy Claire Zachanassian's return to her hometown, Gullen. With a proposal to donate a billion to the town, she stirs up a mix of emotions, from greed to guilt, as the townspeople confront their past and face the moral dilemma of accepting her offer, which is tied to a dark secret. The narrative explores themes of justice, morality, and the corrupting influence of wealth.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The play 'The Visit of the Old Lady' by Friedrich Dürrenmatt is a complex narrative involving multiple characters and themes of justice, greed, and the consequences of wealth.
• 👵 The central character, Claire Zachanassian, returns to her hometown as a wealthy and influential woman, seeking to address past injustices and reshape the town with her billions.
• 💸 Claire proposes a billion-dollar donation to the town, which is conditional upon the community addressing past wrongs and delivering justice, specifically targeting the man she once loved and was betrayed by.
• 🏛️ The town, initially resistant to the idea of change, eventually succumbs to the allure of wealth and the promise of a better life, leading to a unanimous acceptance of Claire's conditions.
• 🗳️ The decision to accept Claire's offer is portrayed as a moral dilemma, with the community grappling with the concept of justice and the price of their collective conscience.
• 🏙️ The transformation of the town is symbolized by its physical renovation and the change in the demeanor and lifestyle of its inhabitants, reflecting the impact of wealth on society.
• 👥 The characters in the play represent various facets of society, from the town's leaders to its ordinary citizens, each with their own motivations and reactions to Claire's offer.
• 🕊️ The theme of redemption is explored through the characters' attempts to cleanse themselves of past sins and the town's desire to start anew with the influx of wealth.
• 👮‍♂️ The role of authority figures, such as the mayor and the police, is highlighted, showing their involvement in the unfolding drama and the enforcement of the community's decision.
• 🔍 The script delves into the psychology of the characters, revealing their internal struggles with morality, ambition, and the fear of change.
• 🎭 The play concludes with a powerful message about the power of wealth to both corrupt and redeem, leaving a lasting impression on the audience about the human condition and the nature of justice.

Q & A

What is the setting at the beginning of the third act?

The setting includes Peter Schöne sitting on the left, Claire Zachanassian in her sedan chair dressed in a wedding gown, with a hay cart, straw, and a ladder on stage. The butler, doctor, and teacher enter from the background.

How does Claire Zachanassian describe her current state during her conversation with the doctor and teacher?

Claire Zachanassian describes herself as tired from the recent wedding at Güllner Münster and needing rest, stating that she is not young anymore.

What is the teacher and doctor's main concern when they visit Claire Zachanassian?

The teacher and doctor's main concern is the financial ruin and debt of the townspeople. They appeal to Claire Zachanassian for help, citing the principles of Western civilization and their dire situation.

What is Claire Zachanassian's response to the town's financial plea?

Claire Zachanassian reveals that she already owns most of the town, including the factories and properties. She declares their sacrifices and efforts to be in vain and implies that her conditions for helping involve more than just money.

How does Claire Zachanassian justify her control over the town?

Claire Zachanassian justifies her control by recounting her past grievances, including being betrayed by the townspeople when she was young and pregnant. She declares her intent to dictate terms and reshape the town according to her vision of justice.

What symbolic action does the teacher take during the assembly, and what is its significance?

The teacher climbs onto a crate to make a speech, symbolizing a stand for truth and moral integrity. He highlights the town's complicity in past injustices and the importance of adhering to higher ethical standards.

What role does the press play in the third act of the script?

The press is present to document the proceedings, adding to the tension and public scrutiny. Journalists ask probing questions and seek to understand the implications of Claire Zachanassian's actions and the town's response.

How does the town's perception of Claire Zachanassian change throughout the third act?

The town initially views Claire Zachanassian with a mix of fear and hope, but as her full control and motives become clear, their perception shifts to one of resignation and recognition of their own culpability.

What is the final outcome for the protagonist, Alfred Ill, in the third act?

Alfred Ill ultimately faces his fate resignedly, understanding that the town's poverty and desperation make his sacrifice inevitable. He accepts his role in the unfolding events, leading to his death at the hands of the townspeople.

What overarching themes are evident in this third act of 'The Visit' by Friedrich Dürrenmatt?

The third act highlights themes of justice and revenge, the corrupting power of money, the moral failings of society, and the consequences of past actions. It underscores the human struggle between ethical integrity and survival instincts.