The Visit: style

The Visit: style

Genre

  • ‘The Visit’ is an example of a tragicomedy, a genre that blends elements of tragedy and comedy to explore serious themes in a light-hearted manner.

  • The play also features elements of the absurd, a genre which uses illogical situations to examine human existence.

Unique Stylistic Features

  • Evocative use of symbolism, such as the black panther and yellow shoes, which each represent distinct aspects of the narrative.

  • The play applies irony throughout, with situations often yielding contradictory outcomes to highlight the tragicomic nature of life.

  • The incorporation of direct address and soliloquies, which establish a direct connection with the audience, enhancing their understanding and emotional engagement.

Characterisation

  • ‘The Visit’ has a distinct style of characterisation. Its characters are portrayed with dualistic personalities, representing both the ideal and corrupt aspects of society.

  • The non-linear character development intensifies the exploration of themes and societal judgment, and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the characters’ motivations and dynamics.

Dialogue

  • Dürrenmatt uses stylistically distinct dialogue that is direct yet riddled with hints at the characters’ deeper motivations and the looming fate of the community.

  • The dialogue often features underlying symbolic meanings and metaphors, providing insights into the play’s themes and social commentary.

Setting and Stagecraft

  • The author’s clear and detailed stage directions contribute to the bleak and tense atmosphere of the play.

  • The use of a single setting, the town of Güllen, intensifies the feeling of entrapment and inevitability. The dynamic use of public and private spaces also delineates the boundary between personal desires and societal expectations.

Usage of Time

  • ‘The Visit’ employs non-linear formatting of time, using flashbacks and offstage years, to delve deeper into character motivations and societal changes.

  • The seeming acceleration of time as the town descends into moral decay enhances the audience’s sense of the community’s desperate plight and intensifies the dramatic tension.