Characterisation in Biedermann und die Brandstifter
In this essay I will to analyse the characterisation of Eisenring and Schmitz through tracing their development throughout the course of the drama. ... I will also mention the effect that the pyromaniac pair had on the other characters and through this what we can learn about Schmitz and Eisenring and the way in which they succeeded in manipulating Biedermann. ... Anna tells Biedermann that there is a ‘Hausierer’ that wants to speak to him. ... She apparently asked him to leave three times and Biedermann insists that he doesn’t want the ‘Hausierer’ in his house. When Biedermann sees the ‘Hausierer’ for the first time there is a definite notion of fear. Biedermann drops his cigar with astonishment and his earlier tone of anger is not as strongly evident. ... He tells Biedermann that there is nothing to worry about, that he is not a ‘Hausierer’. However, he stresses the fact that he is a wrestler and out of work, giving Biedermann reason to be afraid and allowing us to learn of his social characteristics. Schmitz enforces the message that he is a character not to be crossed and that Biedermann should cooperate with him. Biedermann has no choice but to comply with the strong man. Schmitz portrays an image of himself; saying that it’s terrible being as big as he is and that everyone is afraid of him; subtly intimidating Biedermann into cooperating with him. ... Schmitz’s plan continues and he flatters Biedermann telling him that, ‘Sie haben noch ein Gewissen, das spürte die ganze Wirtschaft, ein regelrechtes Gewissen’. ... This story is issued like a threat to Biedermann and the consequences that will arise if someone does not cooperate with him.