Money as the Symbol of Manipulation

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The Visit is a play by Friedrich Durrenmatt that is following events that partake in the town of Guellen. The protagonist Claire pursues to seek revenge on her past lover Ill who essentially robbed Claire of her life. When the relationship had ended Ill left her with nothing and her hometown Guellen turned her away. She lost her freedom, child, and was forced to rebuild her life. After leaving Guellen out of shame, she returned to punish Ill. In The Visit Durrenmatt uses the symbol of money to elucidate the gradual change in morals the town of Guellen undergoes with Claire’s return. The town of Guellen’s impoverished lifestyle created a lifestyle the townspeople had become accustomed to. At Claire’s return to Guellen, she gives forth an ultimatum to all of townspeople. The Butler states: “And now you desire justice, Claire Zachanassian” To which Claire replies: “I can afford it. A million for Guellen if someone kills Alfred Ill” (The Visit 38). Claire bribes the citizens with money which was a commodity they had not had ample access to. Money was intentionally put into the situation...

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    She takes advantage of that power to get around the law. Claire does a lot of things that if an ordinary person made them would be punished under the law. For example, The Gum chewers Toby and Roby were two gangsters who were sentenced to death by electric chair but Claire was able to release them and have them work for her which is not allowed to anybody. Claire also did something very extreme to get her justice which is blind and castrate Koby and Loby for lying to the judge and they could testify the truth ,Claire should have been arrested for doing that but wasn't. Claire's money gets her out of a lot of trouble and is able to create her own form of law. The town also goes against the law especially the authoritarian figures. When Ill goes to the police to demand the arrest of Claire for incitement to murder because it’s exactly what it is but the police defend Claire saying it was just a suggestion and she did nothing wrong because he wants her money. The town also has a public meeting for the ruling of Ills death but they are supposed to take that type of decision to a higher court but they didn't because they know they wouldn't get the money if they didn't do what Claire wants them to do, so they are now a part of Ills

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