The Visit: cultural context

Post-World War II Period

Written in the early 1950s, ‘The Visit’ fuels its narrative by feeding off the political and social unease that permeated Europe in the aftermath of World War II.
Dürrenmatt’s home country, Switzerland, maintained its neutrality during the war, which plays a significant role in the text’s critique of moral apathy.
The play reflects the economic scarcity experienced by numerous communities after the war. Guellen, being a town scraping at poverty, is a microcosm for such communities.

Societal Norms and Corruption

‘The Visit’ critiques the preoccupation with material wealth and illustrates how easily integrity and morality can be compromised in the pursuit for financial stability.
The collective decision to sacrifice Ill for the town’s material gain reflects a version of utilitarian ethics, the belief that an act is morally right if it benefits the majority.
The play reflects the tendency for people to remain silent and complicit in the face of moral corruption, as demonstrated by the citizens of Guellen choosing to benefit from Claire’s wealth rather than uphold justice.

Role of Women

Claire Zachanassian, as an assertive and wealthy female character, subverts the traditional gender roles of the time. Her dominion over the men in the town challenges the patriarchal societal norms.
Nonetheless, the play also portrays Claire as vengeful and emotionally damaged, hinting at the patriarchal prejudice that often interprets assertive women as deviants.
Dürrenmatt’s portrayal of Claire can be seen as a critique of the post-war treatment of women, highlighting their limited societal roles despite their significant contributions during the war.

Justice and Revenge

The play questions the notion of justice, presenting it as a concept easily manipulated by power and wealth.
Claire’s desire for revenge can be viewed in the context of the Communist witch hunts happening in the United States around the same time. The seemingly innocent become scapegoats for the problems and insecurities of the society.
The blurring line between justice and revenge in ‘The Visit’ mirrors the dangerous political climate of the Cold War era, when accusations could easily be turned into death sentences.