The Visit: dramatic climax

The Visit: dramatic climax

Dramatic Climax

• The dramatic climax of ‘The Visit’ takes place with the death of Ill, the protagonist.

• Despite the arrival of this moment is being anticipated from the beginning, its actual occurrence still strikes with emotional impact.

• This climax is a vivid illustration of the collapse of moral values and principles, presenting a starkly tragic element amid the prevailing tragicomic atmosphere of the play.

Characterisation at the Climax

• Ill’s acceptance of his fate and decision not to flee demonstrate his evolution throughout the play, from a scared and reluctant character to one accepting his destiny.

• The town residents’ unanimous decision to kill Ill highlights the collective dehumanisation the community undergoes due to greed.

Tension Build-up

• The tension is strategically built up towards the climax through increasing evidence of the town’s material prosperity, parallel to the moral decay.

• Dürrenmatt smartly juxtaposes Ill’s increasing anxiety and isolation against the town residents’ nonchalant acceptance of their moral corruption, hence increasing the suspense.

Use of Irony

• The climax unfolds with a surprising element of dramatic irony. Il is killed not by the scorned woman from his past, Claire, but by the members of his own community whom he once trusted.

• The town residents resort to murder in the name of “justice”, creating a profound irony that finalises the tragicomic tone of the play.

Significance of the Climax

• The climatic moment in ‘The Visit’ encapsulates the peril of sacrificing morality for material wealth, driving home the overarching theme of the play.

• Dürrenmatt leaves the audience to ponder on the chilling reality of human nature, using the climax as a powerful commentary on societal decay in the face of greed and materialism.