Andorra: Analysis of Major Characters
"Andorra: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex relationships and societal dynamics within a fictional setting that serves as a microcosm for broader themes of identity, prejudice, and complicity. Central to the narrative is Andri, a young man raised under the false belief that he is a Jew, which shapes how he is perceived by those around him. This misunderstanding leads to his marginalization, forcing him into a role that reflects the worst stereotypes held by the community. The character of the teacher, Can, embodies the struggle against societal hypocrisy; he grapples with his own failures as a father and teacher, ultimately succumbing to despair. Barblin, the teacher's daughter, experiences her own trauma and unintentional incest, representing the personal costs of societal failures. Other characters, such as Father Benedict and the señora, emphasize themes of guilt, cowardice, and tragic misunderstanding. The diverse portrayals of the Andorran citizens, including prejudiced figures like Ferrer and the brutish Peider, highlight the pervasive nature of intolerance and the consequences of inaction in the face of injustice. Collectively, these characters illustrate how individual identities are shaped by societal perceptions and the devastating effects of stereotyping and exclusion.
Andorra: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Max Frisch
First published: 1961 (English translation, 1963)
Genre: Play
Locale: Andorra, an imaginary small state
Plot: Social criticism
Time: The 1950's
Andri, a twenty-year-old who was brought up in Andorra (not the small European country but a “model”) in the belief that he is a Jew whom his foster father, the teacher, rescued from persecution by the “blacks” across the border. Since then, the Andorrans have forced him into the role of an outsider and to behave like their stereotypical notion of a Jew—a rootless, greedy, lustful, heartless, oversensitive coward. Learning that he is not a Jew exacerbates his confusion and anguish. Having been ferreted out by the totalitarian “Jew-detector,” Andri finally is dragged to his doom by the invading blacks while his fellow Andorrans look on passively.
The teacher, named Can, a man who drinks heavily in an attempt to drown his sorrow over the stupidity, cupidity, and hypocrisy of his fellow Andorrans. As a young, idealistic gadfly and firebrand, he called his pupils' attention to the many untruths in their textbooks. Now, however, the man who cravenly disowned his son Andri has a chilling sense of doom and attempts in vain to atone for his cowardice and deception. He is the only Andorran who offers resistance to the nightmarish invaders, but eventually he feels compelled to hang himself in his schoolroom.
Barblin, the teacher's teenage daughter. She falls in love with Andri without realizing that their union would be incestuous. Barblin suffers the trauma of being raped by the brutish soldier, Peider. In the end, the half-demented girl, the only Andorran who has nothing to whitewash, senselessly splashes white paint on the town's cobblestones and speaks of saving Andri's shoes for his possible return.
The señora, a mysterious woman from across the border. She confronts her erstwhile lover, the teacher, and accuses him of cowardice in not acknowledging their son. She is suspected of being a spy for the blacks and is killed by a stone; Andri is falsely accused of having thrown it.
Father Benedict, a priest who is more sensitive and insightful than his fellow citizens, yet even he is not free from prejudice. He is the only one who really acknowledges his guilt: He enchained Andri, as it were, by fashioning for himself a fixed image of him.
The mother, the teacher's wife and Barblin's mother. She strives in vain for a peaceful atmosphere in the family.
Ferrer, the new medical officer of Andorra, widely traveled and yet a narrow-minded, frustrated Jew baiter.
Prader, a carpenter who believes that Andri should not be his apprentice but instead should become a salesman or a stockbroker. He charges the teacher an exorbitant sum for training Andri.
Peider, a soldier. He is a quintessential bully, drunken brag-gart, chauvinist, and anti-Semite.
The innkeeper, who is as hypocritical as his fellow citizens. He employs Andri as a kitchen boy.
Fedri, an opportunist who is too weak to oppose his master's trickery in the carpenter's shop when the chair he has made proves inferior to Andri's.