Der Besuch Der Alten Dame

This book was part of my A-Level German course. At first I thought it would be rather dull, but to my surprise, I was engrossed in it after the first twenty pages.

Durrenmatt uses great language and the characters are so original that one could relate the same setting to any modern situation. The fact that both Clara and Ill can be seen as both victim and villain at different times in their lives, gives the reader an intersting twist at the end of Act One. Clara is such a charismatic figure that the reader almost expects the twist that comes.

Well worth a look, even in English!

I was given this book to read for my A-level German course and i found it truly enthralling. The issues covered in the novel were current and morally interesting. The theme running through the book is one which we face even now in the society that we try to convince oursleves has advanced so greatly, and brings the reality of such drastic situations home...how many people if put in the same position would act any differently. The Character of the millionairess, however evil or misled she may be is a strong character who brings extra charisma to the book. I would strongly recommend this novel to any reader and especially those who are studying the German language and culture.

I had to read this book as part of my A level German course, although I found it quite heavy going, it is a great book to analyse and durrenmatt gives plently of food for thought. uses of dramatic irony and symbolism, are just two of the tools he uses to manipulate the reader. worth a read.

I have studied this book with great interest as part of my further education studies in the German language. I was thrilled by the use of dramatic irony and symbolism to portray the many themes and morals throughout the play. This book was a ray of light in my otherwise dull life.