The Visit: historical context

The Visit: historical context

Historical and Socio-Political Context of ‘The Visit’

Post-War Europe

  • ‘The Visit’ was written in 1956, in the context of post-World War II Europe, a period marked by devastation, existential crisis and moral degeneration.
  • The play echoes widespread despair and moral quandaries invoked by the war, seen in the dilapidated town of Guellen standing as a symbol for the devastation that much of Europe had experienced.
  • The townspeople’s succumbing to Claire’s offer reflects the desperation of post-war Europe, struggling economically and morally, willing to compromise ethical boundaries for survival and prosperity.

Cold War Era

  • The era of the Cold War saw a stark ideological conflict between capitalism and communism, of which, ‘The Visit’ offers a damning critique, particularly of rampant capitalism.
  • The play highlights profound inequalities resulting from the capitalist ethos, as shown by the immensely wealthy Claire pitted against the poverty-stricken town.
  • The townspeople’s greed and willingness to kill for wealth reflects on the dehumanising aspects of capitalism, drawing a potent parallel to the extreme economic disparities of the Cold War era.

Swiss Neutrality and Dürrenmatt’s Critique

  • Switzerland’s notorious neutrality during World War II and its later prosperity brought about through finance and banking is subtly critiqued by Dürrenmatt.
  • Claire, a Swiss citizen, embodies this critique as she amasses wealth through morally questionable means, exposing the hypocrisy of Swiss neutrality and the country’s veneer of moral superiority.
  • The harsh critique of societal moral standards underlines Dürrenmatt’s disillusionment with post-war Swiss society and its willing compliance in global capitalist structures.

Theatre of the Absurd

  • Many elements of ‘The Visit’ align with the Theatre of the Absurd, a dramatic genre which rose to prominence in the post-war era.
  • This genre uses illogical situations, disjointed dialogues and plot-lines to highlight the absurdity of human existence, a sentiment widely felt in a war-stricken, ideologically divided Europe.
  • Claire’s absurd proposition to the town evoking tragic yet laughable responses underscores the absurdity of human actions when driven by desperation.