A wealthy, elderly woman, Claire Zachanassian, returns to her impoverished hometown after decades of absence, seeking justice for a past betrayal. Once a young woman named Klara Wäscher, she was driven away in disgrace after an affair with a local man, Anton Schill, resulted in a scandalous pregnancy. Now, she's offering the town a deal: she will donate a vast sum of money, enough to revitalize their failing economy, but only in exchange for Anton's death. At first, the townspeople are appalled by the suggestion, but as their financial desperation deepens, the idea of sacrificing one man for the collective good becomes increasingly tempting. "The Visit" explores themes of morality, justice, revenge, and the corrupting influence of wealth, asking the question: what price are we willing to pay for prosperity?

ISBN: 9780802144263